Something is always born of excess: great art was born of great terror, great loneliness, great inhibitions, instabilities, and it always balances them.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This thought-provoking quote delves into the intricate relationship between creativity, adversity, and the human experience. It suggests that great works of art often emerge from intense and challenging emotional states, and that the creative process serves as a means of balancing and transcending these difficulties.
At its core, this quote challenges the notion that creativity arises solely from comfort and stability. Instead, it proposes that great art often emerges as a response to intense emotional experiences, including fear, loneliness, and inhibitions. These powerful emotions serve as catalysts for creative expression, compelling individuals to channel their inner turmoil into artistic endeavors.
The phrase "great art was born of great terror, great loneliness, great inhibitions, instabilities" highlights the diversity of human experiences that can fuel the creative process. It suggests that the full spectrum of emotions and life experiences, both positive and negative, contribute to the depth and richness of artistic expression. It's a reminder that creativity often thrives in the midst of turmoil and adversity.
Furthermore, the quote implies that art serves as a means of balance and catharsis in the face of emotional excess. Creative expression can provide individuals with an outlet for processing and transcending their intense emotions. It allows them to transform their inner struggles into something meaningful and enduring, thereby achieving a sense of equilibrium and resolution.
The idea that great art "always balances them" underscores the transformative power of creativity. Art has the capacity to transmute suffering and turmoil into works of profound beauty and insight. In this sense, the act of creating art becomes a form of alchemy, where pain is transfigured into something transcendent and enduring.
Moreover, this quote speaks to the universal nature of the human experience and the shared capacity for creativity as a means of coping with life's challenges. It suggests that, regardless of individual circumstances, the human spirit has the potential to harness adversity and transform it into something that resonates with others.
In summary, "Something is always born of excess: great art was born of great terror, great loneliness, great inhibitions, instabilities, and it always balances them" illuminates the profound relationship between creativity and adversity. It emphasizes that great art often emerges from intense emotional experiences and serves as a means of balancing and transcending those experiences. It celebrates the resilience and creative potential of the human spirit in the face of life's challenges.
Who said the quote?
The quote "Something is always born of excess: great art was born of great terror, great loneliness, great inhibitions, instabilities, and it always balances them." is often attributed to Anais Nin (Bio / Quotes). Anais Nin was a French author and diarist known for her experimental writing and exploration of female sexuality.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
