Creative Quote by Scott Berkun
“The temptation many creative people I know have is to strive for popularity. To make, do, and say things that other people like in the hopes of pleasing them. This motivation is nice. And sometimes the end result is good. But often what happens in trying so hard to please other people, especially many other people, the result is mediocre.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Creative Confidence by Tom Kelley and David Kelley, 2013
Seeking approval from many leads to diluted work and mediocrity, as creators compromise originality for popularity.
In simple terms: People often sacrifice originality for approval.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize authentic expression over mass approval.
Themes
creativity
authenticity
approval
mediocrity
Mood
reflective
cautious
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- marketing campaigns
- social media posts
- product design
- public speaking
Key Concepts
self‑expression
audience dynamics
artistic integrity
Questions to Reflect On
- What would you create if no one judged you?
- How does seeking approval shape your work?
A Different Perspective
Popularity can bring short‑term success but erodes long‑term impact.
![“How can you worry about pleasing people [critics] and what they're going to think? How can you do anything creative if the whole thing is motivated by trying to please somebody else? To me, the whole idea of what I thought art, or music, or anything creative was about pleasing yourself and hoping…” quote by Elliot Easton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/510/elliot-easton-79776_amount_how-can-you-worry-about-pleasing-people_278949.jpg)
![“Human beings, who are almost unique [among animals] in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so.” — Douglas Adams” quote by Scott Berkun](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b7c/scott-berkun-12409_ability-to-learn_human-beings-who-are-almost-unique-among_74918.jpg)
![“When I'm the speaker, I know that special moment [just before speaking] is the only time I will have the entire audience's full attention. Unless an alien spaceship crash-lands on stage midway through the talk, the silence before I begin is the most powerful moment I have. What defines how well…” quote by Scott Berkun](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/426/scott-berkun-12409_aliens_when-i-m-the-speaker-i-know-that-special_210194.jpg)
