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About this quote

What does it mean?
The author describes his creative process as eclectic, like a jazz musician creating style from existing influences. He plays by ear rather than following strict rules.
In plain terms
I create my own style by mixing influences.
What can you take from it?
Develop your style by blending diverse influences freely.

Where it applies

  • creative work
  • learning
  • problem-solving

Putting it to work

  • experimentation
  • cross-disciplinary learning

Questions to consider

  • What influences shape your style?
  • Do you follow rules or play by ear?

Another view

Eclecticism can sometimes lack a coherent core or direction.

More from Ralph Ellison

  1. By and large, the critics and readers gave me an affirmed sense of my identity as a writer. You might know this within yourself, but to have it affirmed by oth…

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  3. America is woven of many strands. I would recognise them and let it so remain. Our fate is to become one, and yet many. This is not prophecy, but description.

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