A good thing Quote by John Banville
“When I started writing, I was a great rationalist and believed I was absolutely in control. But the older one gets, the more confused, and for an artist I think that is quite a good thing: you allow in more of your instinctual self; your dreams, fantasies and memories. It's richer, in a way.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Guardian, "John Banville on Writing", 2014
A writer’s early confidence in rational control gives way to embracing instinct, imagination, and memory, enriching creative work.
In simple terms: Early rational control shifts to instinctive creativity.
Key Takeaway
Embrace intuition for richer art.
Themes
creativity
self‑discovery
artistic growth
Mood
reflective
inspired
Type
philosophical
artistic
When to use this quote
- writing
- painting
- music composition
- creative brainstorming
Key Concepts
instinct
memory
imagination
subjectivity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does intuition change your creative process?
- What risks arise from abandoning control?
A Different Perspective
Rationalism may limit depth; instinct can be chaotic.
