The comic spirit is given to us in order that we may analyze, weigh, and clarify things in us which nettle us, or which we are outgrowing, or trying to reshape
Thornton WilderRead
There is no creation without faith and hope. There is no faith and hope that does not express itself in creation.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Creation is rooted in faith and hope, which in turn manifest through our creative actions.
Thornton Wilder's quote highlights the intrinsic relationship between faith, hope, and creativity. It suggests that genuine creation, whether artistic or otherwise, springs from a foundation of belief and optimism, and that these feelings are not just passive but require expression through active creation. This cyclical relationship implies that to create is to embody hope and faith, and that without these, true creativity cannot flourish.
Themes
CreationFaithHopeExpressionCreativity
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech to inspire artists.
More from Thornton Wilder
All quotes →A man looks pretty small at a wedding, George. All those good women standing shoulder to shoulder, making sure that the knot's tied in a mighty public way.
Thornton WilderRead
Good-by, Good-by, world. Good-by, Grover's Corners... Mama and Papa. Good-by to clocks ticking... and Mama's sunflowers. And food and coffee. And new-ironed dresses and hot baths...and sleeping and waking up. Oh, earth, you're too wonderful for anybody to realize you.
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When you're safe at home you wish you were having an adventure; when you're having an adventure you wish you were safe at home.
Thornton WilderRead
Many great writers have been extraordinarily awkward in daily exchange, but the greatest give the impression that their style was nursed by the closest attention to colloquial speech.
Thornton WilderRead
I want you to try and remember what it was like to have been very young. And particularly the days when you were first in love; when you were like a person sleepwalking, and you didn’t quite see the street you were in, and didn’t quite hear everything that was said to you. You’re just a little bit crazy. Will you remember that, please?
Thornton WilderRead
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