--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It’s all been said better before. If I…" description: "\"“It’s all been said better before. If I thought I had to say it better than anybody else, I’d never start. Better or worse is immaterial. The thing is ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7d6/madeleine-l-engle-345_thing-said_it-s-all-been-said-better-before-if-i-th_2927317.png" --- # It’s all been said better before. If I thought I had to… ![“It’s all been said better before. If I thought I had to say it better than anybody else, I’d never start. Better or worse is immaterial. The thing is that it has to be said; by me; ontologically. We each have to say it, to say it our own way. Not of our own will, but as it comes out through us…” quote by Madeleine L'Engle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7d6/madeleine-l-engle-345_thing-said_it-s-all-been-said-better-before-if-i-th_2927317.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7d6/madeleine-l-engle-345_thing-said_it-s-all-been-said-better-before-if-i-th_2927317.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7d6/madeleine-l-engle-345_thing-said_it-s-all-been-said-better-before-if-i-th_2927317.png) > ““It’s all been said better before. If I thought I had to say it better than anybody else, I’d never start. Better or worse is immaterial. The thing is that it has to be said; by me; ontologically. We each have to say it, to say it our own way. Not of our own will, but as it comes out through us. Good or bad, great or little: that isn’t what human creation is about. It is that we have to try; to put it down in pigment, or words, or musical notations, or we die.”” [Madeleine L'Engle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/madeleine-l-engle/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Creative expression is essential; the act of creating matters more than quality or competition. **In simple terms:** Creating is vital, regardless of perfection. Key Takeaway Create authentically without fear of judgment. Themes creativity expression authenticity Mood inspired determined Type philosophical motivational When to use this quote - writing - music - visual arts - personal projects Key Concepts artistic process self‑actualization Questions to Reflect On - What will you create today? - How do you overcome creative blocks? 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