I used to flirt with fundamentalism, and I had this idea…
“I used to flirt with fundamentalism, and I had this idea that creation was something that happened. Now I see creation as something that is happening. Hundreds of millions of stars are still being born every day. Creation is an ongoing process. The Artist has not yet cleaned out the brushes. The paint is still wet. Human beings are the small clumps of clay and breath, and we have been handed brushes of our own, like young artist apprentices. The brushes aren't ours, nor the paint or canvas, but here they are in our hands, on loan. What shall we make?”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He shifts from seeing creation as a past event to an ongoing process, likening humanity to apprentices with borrowed artistic tools.
In simple terms: Creation is ongoing; we are apprentices with borrowed tools.
Key Takeaway
Participate actively in the ongoing creation.
Themes
creativity
spirituality
process
Mood
inspired
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- innovation
- personal development
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
artistry
human agency
continuity
Questions to Reflect On
- What can we create with borrowed tools?
- How does seeing creation as ongoing affect purpose?
A Different Perspective
Tools are temporary, limiting control.