--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I give thanks for the fact that I can get…" description: "\"I give thanks for the fact that I can get this stick with a bit of steel nib on the end, dip it in some black carbon stuff, and draw on paper. Now, peo..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3e7/michael-leunig-2274_about_i-give-thanks-for-the-fact-that-i-can-ge_1660404.png" --- # I give thanks for the fact that I can get this stick with… ![“I give thanks for the fact that I can get this stick with a bit of steel nib on the end, dip it in some black carbon stuff, and draw on paper. Now, people did it the same way 2,000 years ago. And there's something lovely about that play, and making mud pies and a mess. That's a lovely privilege.” quote by Michael Leunig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3e7/michael-leunig-2274_about_i-give-thanks-for-the-fact-that-i-can-ge_1660404.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3e7/michael-leunig-2274_about_i-give-thanks-for-the-fact-that-i-can-ge_1660404.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3e7/michael-leunig-2274_about_i-give-thanks-for-the-fact-that-i-can-ge_1660404.png) > “I give thanks for the fact that I can get this stick with a bit of steel nib on the end, dip it in some black carbon stuff, and draw on paper. Now, people did it the same way 2,000 years ago. And there's something lovely about that play, and making mud pies and a mess. That's a lovely privilege.” [Michael Leunig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-leunig/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Using a simple, ancient tool connects us to history and creativity, turning ordinary act into a privileged, playful experience. **In simple terms:** Old tools let us share a timeless, creative joy. Key Takeaway Embrace simple, hands‑on creativity for deeper appreciation. Themes creativity tradition play privilege Mood nostalgic inspired playful Type artistic cultural When to use this quote - drawing - writing - artistic practice - educational workshops Key Concepts mindfulness craftsmanship historical continuity Questions to Reflect On - What simple tool brings you joy? - How does using ancient methods affect your creativity? A Different Perspective Modern digital tools can diminish tactile appreciation of simple crafts. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [About](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/about/) [Bit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bit/) [Black](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/black/) [Carbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/carbon/) [Did](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/did/) [Dip](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dip/) [Draw](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/draw/) [End](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/end/) [Fact](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fact/) [Get](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/get/) [Give](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/give/) [Gratitude](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gratitude/) [I can](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/i-can/) [Lovely](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lovely/) [Lovely Play](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lovely-play-752286/) [Making](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/making/) [Mess](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mess/) [Mud](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mud/) [Now](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/now/) [Paper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/paper/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Play](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/play/) [Privilege](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/privilege/) [Same](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/same/) [Some](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/some/) [Something](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/something/) [Steel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/steel/) [Steel Nib](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/steel-nib-752285/) [Stick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/stick/) [Stick Bit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/stick-bit-752283/) [Stuff](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/stuff/) [Stuff Draw](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/stuff-draw-752284/) [Thanks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thanks/) [Way](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/way/) [Years](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/years/) [Years ago](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/years-ago/) ## Related quotes > [It'll be just lovely for you to play -- it'll be so hard. And there's so much more fun when it is hard!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/it-ll-be-just-lovely-for-you-to-play-it-ll-be-so-hard-and-there-s-so/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [While it would be lovely to play well every week, that is simply not going to happen.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-muller/while-it-would-be-lovely-to-play-well-every-week-that-is-simply-not/) [Thomas Muller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-muller/) > [William strode to her. That’s how it’s done. Drink it in. She surveyed the carnage behind him. “Did you have fun?” He showed her…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ilona-andrews/william-strode-to-her-that-s-how-it-s-done-drink-it-in-she-surveyed/) [Ilona Andrews](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ilona-andrews/) > [I love using rice as a flour; I'll grind roasted rice and dip fish in that. It gives a beautiful, crunchy texture.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcus-samuelsson/i-love-using-rice-as-a-flour-i-ll-grind-roasted-rice-and-dip-fish-in/) [Marcus Samuelsson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-samuelsson/) > [I am at the moment writing a lengthy indictment against our century. When my brain begins to reel from my literary labors, I make…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-kennedy-toole/i-am-at-the-moment-writing-a-lengthy-indictment-against-our-century/) [John Kennedy Toole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-kennedy-toole/) > [A stale article, if you dip it in a good, warm, sunny smile, will go off better than a fresh one that you've scowled…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nathaniel-hawthorne/a-stale-article-if-you-dip-it-in-a-good-warm-sunny-smile-will-go-off/) [Nathaniel Hawthorne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nathaniel-hawthorne/) > [Just a little sheep dip. Panacea for all stomach ailments.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mae-west/just-a-little-sheep-dip-panacea-for-all-stomach-ailments/) [Mae West](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mae-west/) > [As a decision maker, you rely on information being passed to you by the people who report to you. As the CEO, however, you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/scott-weiss/as-a-decision-maker-you-rely-on-information-being-passed-to-you-by/) [Scott Weiss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/scott-weiss/) > [I think my sound differentiates me from everyone else. I'm able to dip and dabble in other genres, without feeling out of place. Im…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/iceberg-slim/i-think-my-sound-differentiates-me-from-everyone-else-i-m-able-to-dip/) [Iceberg Slim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/iceberg-slim/) > [We sign contracts to fight, not to dip, duck and dodge.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeremy-stephens/we-sign-contracts-to-fight-not-to-dip-duck-and-dodge/) [Jeremy Stephens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeremy-stephens/) > [We recognize that we cannot survive on meditation, poems and sunsets. We are restless. We have an irresistible urge to dip our hands into…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-florman/we-recognize-that-we-cannot-survive-on-meditation-poems-and-sunsets/) [Samuel Florman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-florman/) > [Life is a magic vase filled to the brim, so made that you cannot dip from it nor draw from it; but it overflows…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-ruskin/life-is-a-magic-vase-filled-to-the-brim-so-made-that-you-cannot-dip/) [John Ruskin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-ruskin/) > [I assume my stance, and take back the club, low, slowly; at the top, my eyes fog over, and my joints dip and swirl…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-updike/i-assume-my-stance-and-take-back-the-club-low-slowly-at-the-top-my/) [John Updike](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-updike/) > [Girl, he wants to dip you in Frosted Flakes and have you for breakfast. That's his favorite cereal, by the way." I...had no words…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gena-showalter/girl-he-wants-to-dip-you-in-frosted-flakes-and-have-you-for-breakfast/) [Gena Showalter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gena-showalter/) > [When good media takes a bounded form, and comes once in a period of time, it begs to be consumed as a whole -…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-battelle/when-good-media-takes-a-bounded-form-and-comes-once-in-a-period-of/) [John Battelle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-battelle/) ## More by Michael Leunig > [In my journey as a cartoonist, I seem to have accidentally stumbled into all sorts of traps, damnations and blacklists.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-leunig/in-my-journey-as-a-cartoonist-i-seem-to-have-accidentally-stumbled/) [Michael Leunig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-leunig/) > [Have I got the right to experiment with my child's life?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-leunig/have-i-got-the-right-to-experiment-with-my-child-s-life/) [Michael Leunig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-leunig/) > [There are only two feelings, Love and fear: There are only two languages, Love and fear: There are only two activities, Love and fear:…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-leunig/there-are-only-two-feelings-love-and-fear-there-are-only-two/) [Michael Leunig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-leunig/) > [If European symbols and traditions have grown tired, perfunctory and oppressively banal in Australia, or been drained of spirit and meaning by the dreary…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-leunig/if-european-symbols-and-traditions-have-grown-tired-perfunctory-and/) [Michael Leunig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-leunig/) > [Socialised humanity represses nature and degrades human nature; it takes life and waters it down - probably to control it - diluting existence with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-leunig/socialised-humanity-represses-nature-and-degrades-human-nature-it/) [Michael Leunig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-leunig/) > [I became a cartoonist because I'd sort of failed at everything else, really. I mean, it was by default.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-leunig/i-became-a-cartoonist-because-i-d-sort-of-failed-at-everything-else/) [Michael Leunig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-leunig/) > [I never really understood who the Magi were as a child. What is a Magi? Not a word I would use, but a magpie…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-leunig/i-never-really-understood-who-the-magi-were-as-a-child-what-is-a-magi/) [Michael Leunig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-leunig/) > [God bless this tiny little boat, And me who travels in it. It stays afloat for years and years, And sinks within a minute.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-leunig/god-bless-this-tiny-little-boat-and-me-who-travels-in-it-it-stays/) [Michael Leunig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-leunig/) > [There can be many reasons to travel, but wandering into the world for no particular reason is a sublime madness, which in all its…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-leunig/there-can-be-many-reasons-to-travel-but-wandering-into-the-world-for/) [Michael Leunig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-leunig/) > [I'm totally deaf in my right ear, yeah.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-leunig/i-m-totally-deaf-in-my-right-ear-yeah/) [Michael Leunig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-leunig/) > [Emotional stability has not been America's gift to the world.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-leunig/emotional-stability-has-not-been-america-s-gift-to-the-world/) [Michael Leunig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-leunig/) > [Life seems sadly mishandled by humans, as if it's all too much for them - they spend so much time and energy hurting each…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-leunig/life-seems-sadly-mishandled-by-humans-as-if-it-s-all-too-much-for/) [Michael Leunig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-leunig/) > [If you know anything about ducks, you know a baby duck will imprint itself on you. It misses its mother.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-leunig/if-you-know-anything-about-ducks-you-know-a-baby-duck-will-imprint/) [Michael Leunig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-leunig/) > [I think melancholy is part of the natural condition, you know. Anyway, I think it's the artist's function to have their melancholy and not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-leunig/i-think-melancholy-is-part-of-the-natural-condition-you-know-anyway-i/) [Michael Leunig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-leunig/) > [At last, after completing year 12, I failed the great final examination, repeated the following year and failed again even more dismally than before.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-leunig/at-last-after-completing-year-12-i-failed-the-great-final-examination/) [Michael Leunig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-leunig/) [Explore all 175 Michael Leunig quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-leunig/) ## More About quotes > [If you ask an introvert a question, wait until she thinks about it. Introverts think before speaking, not through speaking. If you want to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laurie-helgoe/if-you-ask-an-introvert-a-question-wait-until-she-thinks-about-it/) [Laurie Helgoe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laurie-helgoe/) > [Joking about violence is not funny.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/perez-hilton/joking-about-violence-is-not-funny/) [Perez Hilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/perez-hilton/) > [I talk to my mates about our kids, being too tired and being worn out.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/holly-willoughby/i-talk-to-my-mates-about-our-kids-being-too-tired-and-being-worn-out/) [Holly Willoughby](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/holly-willoughby/) > [With 'Pretty Girls,' I saw the opportunity to talk not just about crime but what crime leaves behind.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/karin-slaughter/with-pretty-girls-i-saw-the-opportunity-to-talk-not-just-about-crime/) [Karin Slaughter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/karin-slaughter/) > [I write about presidents. That means I write about guys - so far. I'm interested in the people closest to them, the people they…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/doris-kearns-goodwin/i-write-about-presidents-that-means-i-write-about-guys-so-far-i-m/) [Doris Kearns Goodwin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/doris-kearns-goodwin/) > [That's something a lot of folks don't know about me - I'm pretty darn funny.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-jai-white/that-s-something-a-lot-of-folks-don-t-know-about-me-i-m-pretty-darn/) [Michael Jai White](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-jai-white/) > [I learned a lot about myself at Oakmont.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shane-lowry/i-learned-a-lot-about-myself-at-oakmont/) [Shane Lowry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shane-lowry/) > [I don't think about the press or the crowds or the other leaders of the race. The focus is only on myself. As soon…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/magdalena-neuner/i-don-t-think-about-the-press-or-the-crowds-or-the-other-leaders-of/) [Magdalena Neuner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/magdalena-neuner/) > [Sport is not just about entertainment. It is equally about winning and losing, pooling and galvanising the energy of the youth, upgrading people's physical…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nita-ambani/sport-is-not-just-about-entertainment-it-is-equally-about-winning-and/) [Nita Ambani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nita-ambani/) > [One of the ways that I discovered my confidence and my ability to overpower is becoming a mother. Suddenly, my world wasn't about myself…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lights/one-of-the-ways-that-i-discovered-my-confidence-and-my-ability-to/) [Lights](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lights/) > [I didn't want to do 'Fashion Police' because I thought, 'This is stupid, this is beneath me, who wants to talk about fashion?' It…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joan-rivers/i-didn-t-want-to-do-fashion-police-because-i-thought-this-is-stupid/) [Joan Rivers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joan-rivers/) > [I just worried about my weight. Worried about my appearance and thought I wan't pretty enough to be a pop star. It was very…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-durham/i-just-worried-about-my-weight-worried-about-my-appearance-and/) [Judith Durham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-durham/) > [I read a couple of books about neuroscience and the relationship between the mind and the body.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-kinnaman/i-read-a-couple-of-books-about-neuroscience-and-the-relationship/) [Joel Kinnaman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-kinnaman/) > [There are a lot of kids out there copying and distributing movies - not because they care about seeing the movies or sharing them…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-perry-barlow/there-are-a-lot-of-kids-out-there-copying-and-distributing-movies-not/) [John Perry Barlow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-perry-barlow/) > [I have no physical genius about me. I can't dribble a ball and run at the same time, I can't do lay-ups - I'm…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rich-mullins/i-have-no-physical-genius-about-me-i-can-t-dribble-a-ball-and-run-at/) [Rich Mullins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rich-mullins/) [Browse all 26,122 About quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/about/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "I give thanks for the fact that I can get this stick with a bit of steel nib on the end, dip it in some black carbon stuff, and draw on paper. Now, people did it the same way 2,000 years ago. And there's something lovely about that play, and making mud pies and a mess. 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