A writer - and, I believe, generally all persons - must think that whatever happens to him or her is a resource. All things have been given to us for a purpose, and an artist must feel this more intensely. All that happens to us, including our humiliations, our misfortunes, our embarrassments, all is given to us as raw material, as clay, so that we may shape our art.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Artists must treat all life events, including misfortunes, as raw material to shape their art.
- In plain terms
- Use everything in life to make art.
- What can you take from it?
- Transform life into art.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you use pain?
Another view
Not all pain creates art.
More from Jorge Luis Borges
The Falklands thing was a fight between two bald men over a comb.
Permalink to quote #36 Life itself is a quotation.
Permalink to quote #38 As I think of the many myths, there is one that is very harmful, and that is the myth of countries. I mean, why should I think of myself as being an Argentine,…
Permalink to quote #35
Related quotes
Creating is living doubly.
Albert CamusAlbert Camus quote #119 You know that it would be untrue You know that I would be a liar If I was to say to you Girl, we couldn't get much higher. Come on baby, light my fire - Come o…
Robbie KriegerRobbie Krieger quote #1 What the artist wishes to do - as far as you are concerned - is to take you out of yourself. As far as he is concerned, he wishes to express himself.
Ford Madox FordFord Madox Ford quote #1