Art Quote by Elizabeth Gilbert
““Human beings have been creative beings for a really long time—long enough and consistently enough that it appears to be a totally natural impulse. To put the story in perspective, consider this fact: The earliest evidence of recognizable human art is forty thousand years old. The earliest evidence of human agriculture, by contrast, is only ten thousand years old. Which means that somewhere in our collective evolutionary story, we decided it was way more important to make attractive, superfluous items than it was to learn how to regularly feed ourselves.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, 2015
Human creativity predates agriculture, suggesting artistic expression is a fundamental, natural impulse more essential than basic survival needs.
In simple terms: Art is older than farming, showing creativity is innate.
Key Takeaway
Value and nurture creative instincts.
Themes
creativity
evolution
art
culture
human nature
Mood
inspirational
reflective
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- education
- design
- innovation
- personal development
- media production
Key Concepts
anthropology
psychology
innate drive
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance art and survival?
- What role does creativity play in modern life?
A Different Perspective
Creative impulses can be suppressed by economic pressures.
![“And while [we] do have possibilities that are vast and magnificent and almost infinite in scope, it's important to remember that our choice-rich lives have the potential to breed their own brand of trouble. We are susceptible to emotional uncertainties and neuroses that are probably not very…” quote by Elizabeth Gilbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7fb/elizabeth-gilbert-131_choice_and-while-we-do-have-possibilities-that_30637.jpg)
