Art Quote by David Barringer
““Acting on desire is more like a craft, a science, an art. It takes careful mindful practice. Be patient and quiet. Listen, observe, take notes. Figure out what you want, privately, and then choose to want it, publicly. Put your desire out in the open. I want to go swimming. I want to bake bread. I want to paint a picture. I want to build a chair. I want to write a book. You act and then you fail. Over and over. And it’s better to start failing when you’re young, when all you lose is an ice-cream cone or a basketball game or an afternoon of fun. When you’re older, the stakes are higher. If adults don’t know how to want, then they lose a love, a career, a life.””
About This Quote
Desire requires deliberate practice, public expression, and learning from repeated failure, especially when stakes are low.
In simple terms: Practice desire openly and learn from mistakes early.
Cultivate and act on desires while young.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- career planning
- artistic pursuits
- sports
- hobbies
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What desires have you postponed?
- How can early failures shape future success?
Stakes increase with age, making early experimentation valuable.