"すべての子供はアーティストです。問題は、成長した後もアーティストでい続ける方法です。"

Kids are naturally creative. They draw dragons, invent imaginary friends, and build entire worlds out of Legos. But something happens as they grow older—society, schools, and sometimes even well-meaning adults start emphasizing the importance of rules, structure, and practicality. Over time, that boundless imagination gets boxed in. Picasso captured this idea when he said that children are innately artistic, but the challenge is to keep that creativity alive into adulthood.

Think about it: When Picasso made this observation, he was reflecting on how creativity and imagination are often sacrificed at the altar of adulthood responsibilities and societal expectations. In a world that values conformity and practicality, staying creative can seem like an act of rebellion. But it's not just about painting or drawing—it's about maintaining a sense of curiosity, wonder, and the willingness to see the world through a different lens.

Let’s bring this to life with a real-world example. Take J.K. Rowling, for instance. Before she gave us the magical world of Harry Potter, she was a single mom on welfare, struggling to make ends meet. Imagine the societal pressures she faced: Get a stable job, focus on your child, be practical. Yet, she held on to her creative spirit. She wrote in cafes while her child slept, pouring out the story that would eventually capture the imagination of millions. She didn’t let the demands of adulthood snuff out her creative spark. And look where that took her.

So, how can you apply this nugget of wisdom? Start by giving yourself permission to play. Yeah, you heard that right. Play. Pick up a hobby that you loved as a child. Maybe it was doodling, maybe it was building model planes. Don’t worry about being good at it—just do it for the joy it brings. Carve out time in your day, even if it’s just 15 minutes, to let your mind wander. Allow yourself to be curious and question the status quo. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to look silly. Remember, creativity thrives in an environment where it's okay to make mistakes.

Let’s say you work in a corporate job. Imagine this scenario: You’ve been tasked with leading a brainstorming session for a new project. Instead of sticking to the usual methods, you decide to shake things up. You bring in toys—yes, toys—and ask everyone to create something that represents their vision for the project. At first, people might be hesitant or think it’s childish. But soon, they get into it, and suddenly, ideas are flowing that no one would have thought of in a standard meeting. You’ve just tapped into that childlike creativity Picasso was talking about.

So next time you’re feeling stifled or stuck in your adult responsibilities, remember Picasso’s words. Tap into that inner child, the one who saw endless possibilities in a blank sheet of paper. You might just find that not only does life become a lot more fun, but you’ll also think up solutions and ideas that you never would have considered otherwise. And that, my friend, is the true genius of staying an artist as you grow up.