diff --git a/pep-0621.rst b/pep-0621.rst
index 6890863a9..eb90dbb31 100644
--- a/pep-0621.rst
+++ b/pep-0621.rst
@@ -20,42 +20,34 @@ Abstract
 ========
 
 This PEP specifies how to write a project's `core metadata`_ in a
-``pyproject.toml`` for packaging-related tools to consume.
+``pyproject.toml`` file for packaging-related tools to consume.
 
 
 Motivation
 ==========
 
-Up until now, all tools in the Python community had their
-own unique way for users to specify the `core metadata`_ for their
-project. This is unfortunate as the metadata itself is standardized
-at a lower level for when build back-ends record this information in
-e.g. a wheel file. It means users must learn a specific way to specify
-something for whichever build back-end they choose. Unfortunately a
-`survey of tools`_ both in the Python community and outside of it
-showed that there was very little in the way of consistent agreement
-on how to record project metadata.
+The key motivators of this PEP are:
 
-This lack of standardization becomes a form of lock-in for build
-back-ends. When migration requires learning a new set of terms and a
-way to record metadata, it makes transitioning to another tool
-cumbersome. That leads to less innovation in the packaging ecosystem
-as people are less likely to try out other approaches.
+- Encourage users to specify core metadata statically for speed,
+  ease of specifying, and deterministic consuming
+- Provide a tool-agnostic way of specifying the metadata for ease of
+  learning and transitioning between build back-ends
+- Allow for more code sharing between build back-ends for the
+  "boring parts" of a project's metadata
 
-A single format makes specifying project metadata easier to learn. As
-things currently stand, one must find a tutorial for the appropriate
-build back-end when it comes to learning how to record metadata. This
-leads to duplicated effort in teaching and debugging: when trying to
-help users, you must find out which build back-end they are using and
-hope you are familiar with that tool.
+This PEP does **not** attempt to standardize all possible metadata
+required to build a wheel, only the metadata covered by the
+`core metadata`_ specification which are very common across projects
+and would stand to benefit from being static and consistently
+specified. This means build back-ends are still free and able to
+innovate around patterns like how to specify the files to include in a
+wheel. There is also an included escape hatch for users and build
+back-ends to use when they choose to partially opt-out of this PEP
+(compared to opting-out of this PEP entirely, which is also possible).
 
-Finally, this PEP makes core metadata for projects statically defined.
-By being statically defined, metadata can be read more quickly and
-easily than if it were dynamically calculated. Tools which read
-and write metadata can do so without worrying about which build
-back-end the user specified the metadata for. Statically defined
-metadata is also more secure, since it does not require code execution
-to gather, and is guaranteed to be deterministic.
+This PEP is also not trying to change the underlying `core metadata`_
+in any way. Such considerations should be done in a separate PEP which
+may lead to changes or additions to what this PEP specifies.
 
 
 Rationale
@@ -66,7 +58,7 @@ The design guidelines the authors of this PEP followed were:
 - Define as much of the `core metadata`_ as reasonable
 - Define the metadata statically with an escape hatch for those who
   want to define it dynamically
-- Use familiar names where it made sense, but be willing to use more
+- Use familiar names where it makes sense, but be willing to use more
   modern terminology
 - Try to be ergonomic within a TOML file instead of mirroring how
   tools specify metadata at a low-level
@@ -94,7 +86,7 @@ Tools MUST specify fields defined by this PEP in a table named
 defined by this PEP. For tools wishing to store their own settings in
 ``pyproject.toml``, they may use the ``[tool]`` table as defined in
 :pep:`518`. The lack of a ``[project]`` table implicitly means the
-build tool will dynamically provide all fields.
+build back-end will dynamically provide all fields.
 
 ``name``
 ''''''''