Art Quote by Fran Lebowitz
““Very few people possess true artistic ability. It is therefore both unseemly and unproductive to irritate the situation by making an effort. If you have a burning, restless urge to write or paint, simply eat something sweet and the feeling will pass. Your life story would not make a good book. Do not even try.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The New Yorker, 1995
The author argues that true artistic talent is rare; forcing oneself to create when lacking inspiration is wasteful, and urges distraction instead of forced effort.
In simple terms: Real talent is rare; don’t force creativity; distract yourself.
Key Takeaway
Accept your limits and find alternative outlets when inspiration is absent.
Themes
creativity
talent
self‑discipline
distraction
Mood
cynical
pragmatic
Type
essay
advice
When to use this quote
- writing block
- creative burnout
- self‑help
- artistic pursuits
Key Concepts
self‑criticism
productivity
artistic integrity
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it okay to give up?
- How can you nurture talent without forcing it?
A Different Perspective
The advice dismisses the value of perseverance and may discourage growth.
![“To write with taste, in the highest sense, is to write [...] so that no one commits suicide, no one despairs; to write [...] so that people understand, sympathize, see the universality of pain, and feel strengthened, if not directly encouraged to live on. If there is good to be said, the writer…” quote by Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d4a/anonymous-1_art_to-write-with-taste-in-the-highest-sense_568887.jpg)
![“[Friendships] are easy to get out of compared to love affairs, but they are not easy to get out of compared to, say, jail.” quote by Fran Lebowitz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cdb/fran-lebowitz-690_affair_friendships-are-easy-to-get-out-of-compa_77324.jpg)
