There is no feeling, except the extremes of fear and grief, that does not find relief in music.
T. S. EliotRead
Mediocre writers borrow; great writers steal.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that exceptional writers take inspiration from existing works rather than merely imitating them.
T. S. Eliot's quote highlights the distinction between mediocre and great writers in their approach to creativity. While mediocre writers might merely borrow ideas, great writers absorb influences, transform them, and create something new and original. This process of 'stealing' is about understanding the essence of existing works and reinventing them in one's unique voice, thereby advancing the art of writing.
Themes
WritingCreativityArtInspirationOriginality
In practice
Example use cases
In a writing workshop, when discussing originality, one might quote T. S. Eliot to inspire students to embrace their influences.
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
Similar quotes
The arts, instead of quaking along the periphery of our policy concerns, must push boldly into the core of policy. The arts are a response to our individuality and our nature and help to shape our identity. The arts are not a frill and should not be treated as such. They have the potential to become the driving force for healing division and divisiveness.
Barbara JordanRead
'Tristan' is a very unique case, not just in Wagner's output, but in music in general. It remains contemporary no matter what else surrounds it. There is something self-renewing about it.
Daniel BarenboimRead
My sole inspiration is a telephone call from a director. ... (when asked who wrote 'Some Enchanted Evening') Rodgers and Hammerstein, if you can imagine it taking two men to write one song. ... Good authors, too, who once knew better words now use only four-letter words writing prose. ... Brush up your Shakespeare and they'll all kowtow.
Cole PorterRead
I try to write something that would interest anybody and keep them turning the page. You must have a plot and good storyline.
Ernest GainesRead
I've yet to meet somebody who said, 'Your stories are so revolting I couldn't read them.'
Ian McewanRead
There is but one art, to omit.
Robert Louis StevensonRead