"La seule chose que l'artiste ne peut pas voir est l'évidence"

The core idea here is that sometimes, those who are deeply immersed in their work or passion can miss the most apparent details. It's like staring at a painting so closely that you can't see the whole picture; the artist can be so focused on the intricate details that they overlook the most obvious aspects.

Historically, this kind of observation has been relevant across many fields. For instance, artists during the Renaissance period were so engrossed in mastering techniques and details that sometimes they needed a fresh pair of eyes to point out something fundamental yet glaringly obvious. It’s an idea that applies broadly – not just to artists, but to anyone deeply involved in a creative or complex process.

Let's bring this to life with a real-world example. Think about Steve Jobs and the early days of Apple. Jobs was a visionary, obsessed with the details of product design. He and his team worked tirelessly on the Apple Lisa, one of the first personal computers. They were so focused on creating a groundbreaking machine that they overlooked its high cost and limited market appeal. It took a broader perspective – from investors and market analysts – to highlight that the product, while innovative, wasn't hitting the mark for the average consumer. Missing the obvious here was costly.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your life? Simple: step back and take a broader view occasionally. When you're knee-deep in a project, take a break and try to look at it from a distance. Ask someone with fresh eyes for their perspective. This can help you spot the "obvious" things you might be missing.

Imagine this scenario: you’re working on a big presentation for work. You've spent hours perfecting each slide, choosing the right words, and making sure every detail is immaculate. But when you show it to a colleague, they point out that you’ve completely overlooked the main point – the "obvious" takeaway that your audience needs. Your colleague isn't as involved in the details, and that distance gives them a clearer view of the big picture.

In essence, this quote reminds us that sometimes, we need to step back and see things from a different angle. It’s about balance – being detailed but not losing sight of the obvious.

Next time you’re engrossed in something, ask yourself: "What might I be missing here?" And don't just ask yourself – ask others, too. Their fresh perspective could be exactly what you need to see the obvious.

So, the next time you’re deep in the weeds, remember to step back. Your masterpiece might just need a simpler touch.