10 thoughtful quotes on creativity to inspire the desire to create

AS SALVADOR DALÍ famously said once, “Those who do not want to imitate anything, produce nothing.” In other words, as Dalí proclaimed, creativity is not about reinventing the wheel, but about building on the foundations laid by those who came before us.

I believe creative culture often plays a unique role in fostering a healthy society. Artists often reflect the time that we live in, and as we navigate the ever-changing landscape of our world, artists serve as our companions, interpreting and articulating the essence of our shared experiences.

In other words, artists become our guides, helping us make sense of the chaos and beauty that surround us, and leaving an imprint on our souls that endures long after the applause fades or the gallery lights dim.

Their creations become touchstones, resonating with our emotions, thoughts, and dreams in deeply personal ways. When I encounter a painting, a song, a poem, or a performance that speaks to me, it’s as if I’m connecting with a kindred spirit who understands the intricacies of our lives.

In these moments, we find solace, inspiration, and validation, knowing that we’re not alone in our joys and struggles. And through film, music, and art artists can bring people together, inspire activism and start important conversations.

Read on for the 10 quotes on creativity that I’ve selected for you, and allow yourself to be inspired by the artists you admire, and let that inspiration guide you to greatness.

10 Quotes on creativity

I’ve collected 10 inspirational quotes on creativity for now. I’ll continue to publish one motivational quote in my newsletter each month.

I.

As Salvador Dalí famously said the following about how creativity is rarely born in isolation:

“Those who do not want to imitate anything, produce nothing.” In other words, creativity is not about reinventing the wheel, but about building on the foundations laid by those who came before us.

Source: Salvador Dalí 

As outlined in the February edition 2024

II.

“I believe creativity is the heart yearning for expression, and it is that which is the ultimate expression, the ultimate creator, acting and speaking and expressing through you.”

Oprah Winfrey

“To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong.” 

Joseph Chilton Pierce

“Creativity is the power to connect the seemingly unconnected.” 

William Plomer

“The creative adult is the child who survived.”

 Ursula Leguin

Nina Simone:

‘An artist’s duty is to reflect the times.’

Source: Nina Simone

“Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that’s creativity.”

Charles Mingus

“Imagination is the uniquely human capacity to envision that which is not; it is the foundation of all invention and innovation.”

J. K. Rowling

“Turning an idea in your head into a tangible reality is one of life’s great satisfactions, whether the end result is a story, a photograph, a meal, or a business.”

Chase Jarvis

“Stillness is where creativity and solutions to problems are found.”

Eckhart Tolle

Rainer Maria Rilke: 

“Go into yourself and test the deeps in which your life takes rise; at its source you will find the answer to the question whether you must create. Accept it, just as it sounds, without inquiring into it. Perhaps it will turn out that you are called to be an artist. Then take that destiny upon yourself and bear it, its burden and its greatness, without ever asking what recompense might come from outside.”

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Last note

These are the quotes on creativity that I’ve collected for you. If you think I’ve missed one, I’m happy to hear from you. You can use the comment section below!