There is no feeling, except the extremes of fear and grief, that does not find relief in music.
T. S. EliotRead
Anxiety is the hand maiden of creativity.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Anxiety can often drive and enhance creative expression.
This quote suggests that feelings of anxiety are not just burdens; they can also inspire creativity. T. S. Eliot implies that the struggles and tensions of anxiety may lead individuals to produce their most imaginative and innovative work, turning discomfort into artistic expression.
Themes
AnxietyCreativityArtExpressionInspiration
In practice
Example use cases
In a talk about overcoming creative blocks, quoting Eliot to highlight how anxiety can fuel artistic inspiration.
More from T. S. Eliot
All quotes βHalf of the harm that is done in this world is due to people who want to feel important. They don't mean to do harm. But the harm does not interest them.
T. S. EliotRead
I am an Anglo-Catholic in religion, a classicist in literature and a royalist in politics.
T. S. EliotRead
If you aren't in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?
T. S. EliotRead
For I have known them all already, known them allβ Have known the evenings, mornings, afternoons, I have measured out my life with coffee spoons.
T. S. EliotRead
In the faint moonlight, the grass is singing
T. S. EliotRead
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Editing while you're writing is like strangling the baby in the crib.
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Twyla TharpRead