It is in books, poems, paintings which often give us the confidence to take seriously feelings in ourselves that we might otherwise never have thought to acknowledge.
Alain De BottonRead
Objectively good spaces to work rarely end up being so; in their faultlessness, quiet and well-equipped studios have a habit of rendering the fear of failure overwhelming. Original thoughts are like shy animals. We sometimes have to look the other way - towards a busy street or terminal - before they run out of their burrows.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Perfect workspaces can stifle creativity and induce fear of failure.
Alain De Botton suggests that while ideal work environments might seem beneficial, they can unintentionally create pressure that inhibits originality. He likens original ideas to shy animals, which require an unguarded moment or distraction to emerge from hiding, highlighting the need for a less intimidating atmosphere to foster creativity.
Themes
CreativityFearWorkplacePressureOriginality
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about fostering innovation in the workplace.
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Good books put a finger on emotions that are deeply our own - but that we could never have described on our own.
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It is the most ambitious and driven among us who are the most sorely in need of having our reckless hopes dampened through immersive dousings in the darkness which religions have explored. This is a particular priority for secular Americans, perhaps the most anxious and disappointed people on earth, for their nation infuses them with the most extreme hopes about what they may be able to achieve in their working lives and relationships.
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