"Toute grande littérature fonde un genre ou en dissout un."

The idea behind this quote is that the most impactful literature either creates a new way of storytelling or breaks down existing conventions. When a piece of writing truly stands out, it's because it's doing something fresh or it's challenging the old ways. Think about it: when a book feels groundbreaking, it’s probably because it’s either inventing something new or shaking up the norms.

Historically, this idea isn't new. Imagine the world before Shakespeare. Sure, there were plays. But Shakespeare? He didn’t just write plays; he changed the game. He took the conventions of the time and pushed them beyond what anyone thought possible. Or consider James Joyce and "Ulysses." Before Joyce, novels had a pretty standard format. Joyce came in and turned the novel into something entirely different, something more like an intricate tapestry of thoughts and experiences.

Let’s talk about a concrete example. Think about "Harry Potter" by J.K. Rowling. Before Harry, there were plenty of books about wizards and magic, but Rowling created a whole new genre: "young adult fantasy." She didn't just write a series of books; she founded an entire genre that countless other writers have built upon. Rowling’s way of weaving the magical with the everyday doesn’t just stand out; it redefined what young adult literature could be.

Now, how can you apply this in your own life? If you’re a writer, think about the genres you love. What do they lack? What can you bring that’s new? Or, how can you twist the existing rules until they break, creating something that feels completely new and original? You don’t have to be writing the next great novel to take this advice to heart. In any creative endeavor, look at what’s been done and either build a new pillar or tear down an old one.

Imagine you’re in a band, playing the same old song structures that everyone else is using. What if you added an unexpected instrument, like a harp, to a rock song? Or flipped the structure of a song completely? The Beatles did this all the time, combining classical music with rock and roll in ways people had never imagined. They both founded new genres and dissolved old ones, which is why their music still feels fresh today.

Here’s a relatable scenario: You're working on a project at work—maybe a presentation. Everyone else is sticking to the same boring PowerPoint slides. But you decide to mix it up. You bring in interactive elements, ask the audience questions, include short video clips, make it more of a conversation than a presentation. You’ve just dissolved the old way of doing things and founded a new approach. People will remember your presentation, and you might even inspire others to change how they do theirs.

Ultimately, whether in literature, music, or everyday work, the principle remains the same: to make a real impact, aim to do something new or redefine what's already there. That’s how you can leave a lasting mark and maybe even inspire others to follow in your footsteps.