Draw the art you want to see, start the business you want to run, play the music you want to hear, write the books you want to read, build the products you want to use β do the work you want to see done.
Austin KleonRead
It's in the act of making things that we figure out who we are.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Creating helps us discover our true selves.
This quote emphasizes the idea that through the process of creating and making things, we gain insights into our identities and values. Engaging in creative acts allows individuals to explore their thoughts, feelings, and abilities, ultimately leading to greater self-awareness and understanding.
Themes
CreationIdentitySelf-DiscoveryMakingArt
In practice
Example use cases
In a graduation speech to inspire creativity among students.
More from Austin Kleon
All quotes βThe best way to get started on the path of sharing your work is to think about what you want to learn, and make a commitment to learning it in front of others.
Austin KleonRead
The only way to find your voice is to use it. Itβs hardwired, built into you. Talk about the things you love. Your voice will follow.
Austin KleonRead
If we're free from the burden of trying to be completely original, we can stop trying to make something out of nothing, and we can embrace influence instead of running from it.
Austin KleonRead
Usually, when we talk about creativity, it's about self-expression, which is great, but for work to be art or design, there has to be someone on the other end. The audience makes the work come alive.
Austin KleonRead
Don't think of your website as a self-promotion machine, think of it as a self-invention machine.
Austin KleonRead
Similar quotes
Think about what you're passionate about. I did not learn something early enough: if I could go back, I'd tell the younger me that there's a big difference between loving to work and loving the work.
Tim CookRead
Some people possess talent, others are possessed by it. When that happens, a talent becomes a curse.
Rod SerlingRead
Beware of him that is slow to anger; for when it is long coming, it is the stronger when it comes, and the longer kept. Abused patience turns to fury.
Francis QuarlesRead
Who ever saw a doctor use the prescription of his colleague without cutting out or adding something?
Michel De MontaigneRead
Child, you have to learn to see things in the right proportions. Learn to see great things great and small things small.
Corrie Ten BoomRead
It is often very illuminating...to ask yourself how you got at the facts on which you base your opinion. Who actually saw, heard, felt, counted, named the thing, about which you have an opinion?
Walter LippmannRead