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It is the job of artists to open doors and invite in…

“It is the job of artists to open doors and invite in prophesies, the unknown, the unfamiliar; it’s where their work comes from, although its arrival signals the beginning of the long disciplined process of making it their own. Scientists too, as J. Robert Oppenheimer once remarked, ‘live always at…” quote by Rebecca Solnit
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“It is the job of artists to open doors and invite in prophesies, the unknown, the unfamiliar; it’s where their work comes from, although its arrival signals the beginning of the long disciplined process of making it their own. Scientists too, as J. Robert Oppenheimer once remarked, ‘live always at the ‘edge of mystery’—the boundary of the unknown.’ But they transform the unknown into the known, haul it in like fishermen; artists get you out into that dark sea.”

Rebecca Solnit

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Artists and scientists both explore the unknown, but artists invite mystery while scientists convert it into knowledge.

In simple terms: Artists explore mystery; scientists turn it into knowledge.

Key Takeaway

Embrace uncertainty and transform it.

Themes

creativity science exploration

Mood

curious inspired

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • research
  • artistic creation
  • innovation
  • education
  • personal growth

Key Concepts

mystery discipline transformation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can art and science collaborate?
  • What does “edge of mystery” mean for you?
A Different Perspective

Artists may romanticize mystery without practical outcomes.

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