Do Not Wait to Be Struck by Lightning; Learn to Build Your Own Fire - Paul Cezanne
Created at: August 13, 2024
Do not wait to be struck by lightning; learn to build your own fire. — Paul Cezanne
Taking Initiative
This quote encourages individuals to take proactive steps in their lives rather than waiting for external circumstances to bring about change or inspiration.
Self-Reliance
Cézanne emphasizes the importance of self-reliance and personal agency, suggesting that one should cultivate their own skills and resources rather than depend on fortune or luck.
Creativity and Innovation
The metaphor of building one's own fire represents the creative process. It implies that one should harness their creativity to generate warmth, passion, and illumination in their life.
Embracing Challenges
This perspective also highlights the idea that challenges and hardships can lead to personal growth and development. By actively seeking to create opportunities, one faces and overcomes obstacles.
Artistic Philosophy
As a painter, Cézanne's work often reflected his belief in the personal expression and interpretation of the world. This quote aligns with his artistic philosophy of actively shaping one’s reality through inspiration and effort.