Contempt Quote by Edward Norton
“When you're working on a creative thing, everyone has an idea, and they're pushing it. The first time you work with anybody, you have to get comfortable with the way another person pushes hard for what they want. Familiarity breeds contempt, people say. But I've found, for creative things, familiarity breeds peace of mind, because you realize you know someone better. You trust each other. You know not to take things a certain way, or a wrong way. You get to where you don't have to waste quite so much time with diplomacy. Things are a little more efficient.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Film industry discussion, 2010s
Creative collaboration improves with familiarity; trust reduces conflict and streamlines decision‑making, fostering efficient teamwork.
In simple terms: Know teammates, work smoother.
Key Takeaway
Build trust to enhance creative efficiency.
Themes
creativity
collaboration
trust
communication
efficiency
Mood
thoughtful
optimistic
Type
motivational
practical
When to use this quote
- film production
- design studios
- software development
- marketing campaigns
Key Concepts
Team dynamics
psychology of creativity
interpersonal relations
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance familiarity with fresh ideas?
- What practices maintain healthy creative tension?
A Different Perspective
Overfamiliarity can breed complacency; new perspectives may be missed.
![“As an actor, if you step to the side and you look at [Thornton's performance] technically, and you try to imagine doing what he was doing, most people would panic. Most people would be on the set, and they would be panicking, going, "I'm not doing anything!" All the ham instincts in you would be…” quote by Edward Norton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f09/edward-norton-2203_actors_as-an-actor-if-you-step-to-the-side-and_15751.jpg)
![“Every person of any rank in the left, from voter on up to cabinet member to elected official in the Democrat Party, has contempt. We [Republicans] are the number one enemy. And they will put aside whatever differences they have.” quote by Rush Limbaugh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/08a/rush-limbaugh-28_cabinets_every-person-of-any-rank-in-the-left-fro_29974.jpg){kind=icon}