Immature poets imitate; mature poets steal.
Attribution disputed; shown as originally published.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Novice creators copy others, while experienced ones internalize and adapt styles into their own work.
- In plain terms
- Beginners copy, experts adapt and integrate.
- What can you take from it?
- Learn by absorbing influences, not just copying them.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Whose work influences you most?
- How do you make ideas your own?
Another view
The line between stealing and copying can be subjective.
More from Pablo Picasso
Good artists copy. Great artists steal.
Permalink to quote #31 I have discovered photography. Now I can kill myself. I have nothing else to learn.
Permalink to quote #33 Good art bristles with razor blades.
Permalink to quote #30
Related quotes
There is nothing more difficult for a truly creative painter than to paint a rose, because before he can do so he has first to forget all the roses that were e…
Henri MatisseHenri Matisse quote #5 I've never been able to say I've been influenced by a list of artists I like because I like thousands and thousands and I've been influenced in some way by all…
Jack NicholsonJack Nicholson quote #9 My first reading of Tolstoy affected me as a revelation from heaven, as the trumpet of the judgment. What he made me feel was not the desire to imitate, but th…
Leo TolstoyLeo Tolstoy quote #144