Creativity Quote by Wilfred Bion
“It is likely enough that the patient will say, Why don't you say something? Or if not the patient, the relatives - Why don't you do something? So you are always under pressure prematurely and precociously to produce your idea. Poor little thing! Pull it up by the roots and have a look at it - it hasn't got a chance. So you have to act as a sort of parent to the idea - protect it and give it a chance to grow in spite of these pressures; you have to be able to tolerate this state of ignorance.'”
About This Quote
Source Book: Learning from Experience, Wilfred Bion, 1965
The mind must shield nascent ideas from external pressure, allowing them to develop despite expectations for immediate results.
In simple terms: Protect new ideas from premature demands.
Key Takeaway
Guard early thoughts, let them mature.
Themes
psychology
creativity
development
pressure
growth
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- research projects
- creative brainstorming
- startup pivots
- academic writing
Key Concepts
psychoanalysis
idea incubation
tolerance of uncertainty
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance nurturing ideas with external expectations?
- What strategies help tolerate uncertainty?
A Different Perspective
Ideas may still be stifled if protection becomes over‑control.
