The truth is that every book we read, like every person we meet, has the capacity to change our lives. And though we can be sure our children will meet people, we must, must create, these days, their chance to meet books.
Susan CooperRead
So the Dark did a simple thing. They showed the maker of the sword his own uncertainty and fear. Fear of having done the wrong thing--fear that having done this one great thing, he would never again be able to accomplish anything of great worth--fear of age, of insufficiency, of unmet promise. All such great fears, that are the doom of people given the gift of making, and lie always somewhere in their minds.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the internal fears that creators face regarding their own worth and future accomplishments.
This quote by Susan Cooper reflects on the profound fears that individuals, particularly creators, experience when faced with the outcomes of their work. It emphasizes how doubts about one's abilities and the fear of not achieving greatness can haunt those who have the capacity to create, illustrating the emotional and psychological burdens that accompany the creative process. Ultimately, it suggests that these fears, rooted in uncertainty and the pressure of expectations, can inhibit one's potential and lead to a sense of doom.
Themes
FearCreativityUncertaintySelf-DoubtAccomplishment
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational talk, one could use this quote to highlight the common fears faced by artists and innovators.
More from Susan Cooper
All quotes →Similar quotes
Fed on the dry husks of facts, the human heart has a hidden want which science cannot supply.
William OslerRead
Of old the expert in battle would first make himself invincible and then wait for his enemy to expose his vulnerability.
Sun TzuRead
There is so much noise on the Internet, with would-be prophets daily haranguing their audience and megalomaniacs trying to push bizarre ideas, that eventually people will cherish a new commodity: wisdom.
Michio KakuRead
Manners are like zero in arithmetic. They may not be much in themselves, but they are capable of adding a great deal of value to everything else.
Freya StarkRead
...I leaped headlong into the Sea, and thereby have become more acquainted with the Soundings, the quicksands, and the rocks, than if I had stayed upon the green shore, and piped a silly pipe, and took tea and comfortable advice.
John KeatsRead
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
SolomonRead