I can't distract myself enough here, for sketches to a new opera are constantly buzzing around in my head, to the extent that I need all my strength to wrest myself from them.
Richard WagnerRead
In every man there is a hidden child which is called the urge to create and he prefers as play things and serious things not the miniature ships, recreated in the minutest detail, but the walnutshell with a bird feather as mast and sail and a pebble as the captain. He also wants to be able to participate and to co-create in art, rather than being simply an admiring viewer. For this "child in man" is the immortal creator within him.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the intrinsic creative spirit within every person, likening it to the curiosity and imagination of a child.
Christian Morgenstern's quote reflects the idea that within every adult lies a childlike urge to create and participate in the world around them. This 'hidden child' delights not in perfect replicas, but in simple, imaginative play that signifies deeper artistic expression. It suggests that the essence of creativity is not just formal or technical, but is anchored in playfulness and discovery—qualities that invite individuals to actively engage with art rather than remain passive observers.
Themes
CreativityChildhoodImaginationArtParticipation
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about fostering creativity in schools, this quote can illustrate the importance of encouraging imaginative play in students.
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