Able Quote by Joan D. Chittister
“Real failure comes when we consider ourselves good enough at something to be able to repeat it rather than to develop it. "Success is dangerous," the painter Pablo Picasso said. "One begins to copy oneself, and to copy oneself is more dangerous than to copy others. It leads to sterility."”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on artistic integrity, 2005
When we become complacent, we repeat past successes instead of seeking growth, leading to creative stagnation.
In simple terms: Repeating past success stops growth.
Key Takeaway
Embrace continual development.
Themes
creativity
growth
complacency
Mood
reflective
concerned
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- career advancement
- skill learning
- creative projects
- personal development
Key Concepts
self‑criticism
innovation
artistic integrity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you know when you’re repeating rather than evolving?
- What risks do you take to pursue new development?
A Different Perspective
Stagnation can be hard to recognize when success feels safe.
