"即使在文学和艺术中,任何困扰于原创性的人都将永远不会是原创的,而如果你只是尝试讲述真相,那么十有八九你会在不知不觉中变得原创。"
Quote meaning
The core idea behind this quote is that authenticity often leads to originality, while a forced focus on being original can stifle creativity. When you're trying too hard to be unique, you might end up mimicking what you think is original, missing the mark completely. But if you focus on being truthful and genuine in your expression, your work will naturally stand out because it’s coming from a real place.
This quote comes from C.S. Lewis, a writer known for his deep insights into human nature and creativity. He understood that realness in creating art or literature is what resonates most with people. Lewis wasn't just theorizing here; he was speaking from experience as an author who created timeless works. He knew that when writers and artists focus on expressing their true thoughts and feelings, their work becomes inherently original because it's a true reflection of their individuality.
To illustrate this point, think about Vincent van Gogh. He didn't set out to be original—he painted what he saw and felt, often struggling with his mental health and personal demons. His focus was on capturing the truth of his experience and emotions. And guess what? His work turned out to be revolutionary. People are drawn to his paintings because they can sense the raw honesty and emotion in them. Van Gogh's "Starry Night" wasn’t an attempt to be different; it was his truthful representation of the night sky as he saw it. This authenticity made his work uniquely original and deeply impactful.
So, how do you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by being brutally honest with yourself about what you want to express. If you're a writer, don't worry about creating the next big trend. Write about what matters to you, what makes you feel something. If you’re an artist, create from a place of genuine emotion. Forget about what’s popular or what others might think. Focus on your truth—your unique perspective and experiences—and let that guide your work. It's like having a conversation with a friend; you wouldn't try to impress them with grandiose stories. You’d share what’s really on your mind, and that’s what they’ll connect with.
Imagine you're a musician trying to write a song. You're stuck because every time you sit down, you think about what will make the song a hit. Now, try a different approach. Close your eyes and think about a moment that really moved you—maybe the feeling of falling in love or losing someone dear. Start writing about that. Forget about the charts or the trends. Just focus on the raw emotion and truth of that experience. The result might surprise you. That song will likely be more original and impactful than anything you tried to craft deliberately.
In the end, it’s all about being honest with yourself and your audience. Originality isn't something you can manufacture; it’s a byproduct of authenticity. When you’re true to yourself, you can’t help but create something unique because there’s no one else quite like you. So next time you’re working on a project, don’t stress about being original. Just tell your truth. You’ll likely find that your genuine voice is the most original thing you have to offer.
This quote comes from C.S. Lewis, a writer known for his deep insights into human nature and creativity. He understood that realness in creating art or literature is what resonates most with people. Lewis wasn't just theorizing here; he was speaking from experience as an author who created timeless works. He knew that when writers and artists focus on expressing their true thoughts and feelings, their work becomes inherently original because it's a true reflection of their individuality.
To illustrate this point, think about Vincent van Gogh. He didn't set out to be original—he painted what he saw and felt, often struggling with his mental health and personal demons. His focus was on capturing the truth of his experience and emotions. And guess what? His work turned out to be revolutionary. People are drawn to his paintings because they can sense the raw honesty and emotion in them. Van Gogh's "Starry Night" wasn’t an attempt to be different; it was his truthful representation of the night sky as he saw it. This authenticity made his work uniquely original and deeply impactful.
So, how do you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by being brutally honest with yourself about what you want to express. If you're a writer, don't worry about creating the next big trend. Write about what matters to you, what makes you feel something. If you’re an artist, create from a place of genuine emotion. Forget about what’s popular or what others might think. Focus on your truth—your unique perspective and experiences—and let that guide your work. It's like having a conversation with a friend; you wouldn't try to impress them with grandiose stories. You’d share what’s really on your mind, and that’s what they’ll connect with.
Imagine you're a musician trying to write a song. You're stuck because every time you sit down, you think about what will make the song a hit. Now, try a different approach. Close your eyes and think about a moment that really moved you—maybe the feeling of falling in love or losing someone dear. Start writing about that. Forget about the charts or the trends. Just focus on the raw emotion and truth of that experience. The result might surprise you. That song will likely be more original and impactful than anything you tried to craft deliberately.
In the end, it’s all about being honest with yourself and your audience. Originality isn't something you can manufacture; it’s a byproduct of authenticity. When you’re true to yourself, you can’t help but create something unique because there’s no one else quite like you. So next time you’re working on a project, don’t stress about being original. Just tell your truth. You’ll likely find that your genuine voice is the most original thing you have to offer.
Related tags
Art Authenticity Creativity Genuine Honesty Inspiration Literature Originality Self-expression Truth
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