#Creativity

Astonishment as the First Step to Creation

Finally, astonishment matures when shared. Austin Kleon’s Show Your Work! (2014) encourages publishing process, not just polish—turning curiosity into community momentum. Ira Glass’s well-known “taste gap” advice reassures novices that early attempts may lag behind their standards, yet persistence bridges that gap. Thus the loop closes: begin where you are, be astonished, make something, and then let others’ astonishment refine it. In this ongoing exchange, Cummings’ imperative becomes a practice—one that turns the nearness of the world into the next act of creation. [...]

To Create One's Own World Takes Courage - Georgia O'Keeffe

The quote encourages others to pursue authenticity and creativity, even when it feels daunting. [...]

Creativity: Piercing the Mundane to Find the Marvelous – Bill Moyers

It highlights the unique way creative thinkers view reality, turning the mundane into something marvelous. [...]

To Have a Great Idea, Have a Lot of Them — Thomas Edison

Thomas Edison, one of the most prolific inventors in history, held over 1,000 patents. His quote reflects a mindset that contributed to his success — embracing numerous ideas to uncover a few revolutionary ones. [...]

Stillness Is Where Creativity and Solutions Are Found - Eckhart Tolle

Eckhart Tolle is known for his spiritual teachings on consciousness and inner peace. His message encourages people to embrace stillness as a way to connect with their true selves and unlock greater potential. [...]

Listening Is a Magnetic and Strange Thing, a Creative Force - Brenda Ueland

Brenda Ueland was a writer known for her work on creativity and communication. Her emphasis on listening as a creative force aligns with her belief in the power of expression and human connection. [...]

Creative Activity as a Learning Process - Arthur Koestler

Arthur Koestler, a Hungarian-British author and thinker, often explored themes related to creativity, science, and human consciousness. His perspective reflects the idea that intellectual and artistic creativity are essential forms of self-education. [...]

The Joy of Life Lies in Creativity and Energy - Doris Lessing

Doris Lessing offers a philosophical perspective, suggesting that life’s purpose is not passive enjoyment but active engagement and effort toward growth, change, and innovation. [...]

Creative Minds Are Rarely Tidy - John Cleese

John Cleese, a renowned comedian, actor, and writer, is known for his wit and creative genius. His statement reflects his own experiences and understanding of how creativity functions in real life. [...]

Genius Is the Ability to Put into Effect What Is on Your Mind - F. Scott Fitzgerald

F. Scott Fitzgerald, known for his sharp observations on human nature and society, often explored themes of potential and achievement. This quote reflects his appreciation for initiative and determination in transforming abstract dreams into reality. [...]

Creative Minds Can Survive Any Kind of Bad Training - Franklin D. Roosevelt

As the 32nd President of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt witnessed times of great adversity, such as the Great Depression and World War II. This statement reflects his belief in the strength of human ingenuity and adaptability. [...]

You Cannot Use Up Creativity - Maya Angelou

As a celebrated author, poet, and activist, Maya Angelou deeply valued the transformative power of creativity. This quote reflects her belief in using creativity as a tool for personal growth, problem-solving, and expression. [...]

Creative Minds Are Seldom Tidy — A. S. Byatt

A. S. Byatt, a renowned British author, likely drew this insight from her own experience as a writer and observer of artistic lives, valuing the unique paths of creative individuals. [...]

The Bird A Nest Builds, The Spider A Web, And Humans A Dream - Ethiopian Proverb

As an Ethiopian Proverb, this saying encapsulates the deep cultural appreciation for both nature’s wisdom and human potential. It underlines the universal truth that all creatures, including humans, have a fundamental need to create as part of their natural existence. [...]

Maintaining a Healthy Body Is Crucial for a Healthy Mind - John F. Kennedy

John F. Kennedy, as a leader, emphasized the importance of personal responsibility for maintaining one’s well-being. This reflects his belief in actively cultivating both physical health and mental resilience, which is essential for effective leadership and overall success in life. [...]

Genius Is One Percent Inspiration and Ninety-Nine Percent Perspiration - Thomas Edison

Thomas Edison, known for his inventions including the electric light bulb, phonograph, and motion picture camera, famously conducted numerous experiments and iterative trials. His personal experience of working tirelessly and learning from failure backs up the sentiment of this quote. [...]

A Great Wind Is Blowing - Catherine the Great

As a leader, Catherine's quote may reflect her own experiences with the pressures of governance, suggesting that the responsibility of leadership can be both an imaginative challenge and a source of considerable stress. [...]

Recovering Takes Time; Creating Goes Faster - Ellen C. Moyer

Ultimately, the quote suggests the importance of balancing recovery with creative endeavors. While recovery requires time and care, creation offers a way to express oneself and foster growth during the healing journey. [...]

We Are the Music Makers, and We Are the Dreamers of Dreams - Arthur O'Shaughnessy

Arthur O'Shaughnessy was a British poet known for his romantic and idealistic themes. This quote encapsulates his belief in the transformative power of creativity, emphasizing the artist's role in shaping human experience. [...]

To Create Is to Live Twice - Albert Camus

The quote highlights that the process of creation itself is transformative. It is through the act of creating that individuals experience joy, struggle, and ultimately the richness of life. [...]

Normality Is a Paved Road: It's Comfortable to Walk, But No Flowers Grow - Vincent van Gogh

Vincent van Gogh's own life was far from 'normal.' He faced numerous personal challenges, but these difficulties also fueled his extraordinary artistic achievements. His work remains a testament to the beauty that can arise from walking a less conventional path. [...]

Creativity Takes Courage - Henri Matisse

Henri Matisse, a renowned French artist, was known for his innovative use of color and form. His career exemplifies the courage required to pursue unique artistic visions and leave a lasting impact on the art world. [...]

To Live a Creative Life, We Must Lose Our Fear of Being Wrong - Joseph Chilton Pearce

Joseph Chilton Pearce was an American author known for his work on human development and the expansion of human potential. His ideas often revolved around the importance of nurturing creativity and breaking free from limiting beliefs. [...]

Life is a Blank Canvas, and Each Day is a Brushstroke

The quote also alludes to the importance of living in the moment. By focusing on the present—each 'brushstroke'—we can fully engage with and appreciate the process of life. [...]