I'll tell you something, and this is true: I've never been able to write a film which I didn't respect. I just can't do it. I'm very happy about all the films I haven't done.
Harold PinterRead
I do tend to think that I've written a great deal out of my unconscious because half the time I don't know what a given character is going to say next.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the idea that creativity often comes from the unconscious mind, suggesting spontaneous inspiration.
Harold Pinter's quote highlights the concept that much of art and writing can stem from the unconscious, where the author might not fully control or understand the characters they create. This spontaneity can lead to profound and authentic expressions in storytelling, indicating that the creative process is sometimes guided by instinct rather than conscious thought.
Themes
CreativityUnconsciousSpontaneityWritingArt
In practice
Example use cases
In a workshop about writing techniques, you might use this quote to encourage participants to embrace their intuitive creativity.
More from Harold Pinter
All quotes →All that happens is that the destruction of human beings - unless they're Americans - is called collateral damage.
Harold PinterRead
I never think of myself as wise. I think of myself as possessing a critical intelligence which I intend to allow to operate.
Harold PinterRead
It's so easy for propaganda to work, and dissent to be mocked.
Harold PinterRead
There are places in my heart...where no living soul...has...or can ever...trespass.
Harold PinterRead
The speech we hear is an indication of that which we don't hear. It is a necessary avoidance, a violent, sly, and anguished or mocking smoke screen which keeps the other in its true place. When true silence falls we are left with echo but are nearer nakedness. One way of looking at speech is to say that it is a constant stratagem to cover nakedness.
Harold PinterRead
Similar quotes
I'm not a wildly gifted person; I don't play an instrument or speak another language or have great accomplishments in another field, as many writers do. But writing feels natural to me; the act of it seems to free up my unconscious, so that sometimes I feel that I have access to more ideas and information than my conscious mind could think up.
Jennifer EganRead
Some people think literature is high culture and that it should only have a small readership. I don't think so... I have to compete with popular culture, including TV, magazines, movies and video games.
Haruki MurakamiRead
In order to use color effectively it is necessary to recognize that color deceives continually.
Josef AlbersRead
A good cook is like a sorceress who dispenses happiness.
Elsa SchiaparelliRead
I think telling stories is like pushing something. Pushing against uncreation itself, maybe.
Stephen KingRead
I work from awkwardness. By that I mean I don't like to arrange things. If I stand in front of something, instead of arranging it, I arrange myself.
Diane ArbusRead