Thelonious Monk Quotes

I don't want ever to be guilty of what my critics claim: doing formula without original elements.

What is genius but the power of expressing a new individuality?

I never liked to copy things that are out there. I always like to come up with something new, something different.

Creativity is down the tube. And people give a lot of lip service to individuality. I know they all appreciate it, but they all say they would like to do it, but they don't want to work at it, and it doesn't come out of the sky.

I'm constantly trying to be as original as I can.

I don't study; I create.

You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it.

Creative instinct is personal.

Creativity can solve almost any problem.

A popular author is one who writes what the people think. Genius invites them to think something else.

I love the creative process and being able to build something out of nothing.

I'm thankful for weird people out there 'cause they're some of the most creative people.

Not to be boxed in, to be able to transcend boundaries: for an artist, it's essential.

Creativity is the sudden cessation of stupidity.

Originality is the one thing which unoriginal minds cannot feel the use of.

I never look at other people's work. My mind has to be completely focused on my own illusions.

Be brave enough to live life creatively. The creative place where no one else has ever been.

Those who do not want to imitate anything, produce nothing.

One of the strongest characteristics of genius is the power of lighting its own fire.

Genius is a potential that lives within you and every other human being. You have many moments of genius in your lifetime. These are the times when you have a uniquely brilliant idea and implement it even if only you are aware of how fantastic it is.

Rules and models destroy genius and art.

Creativity is a natural extension of our enthusiasm.

Nature is the master of talents; genius is the master of nature.

Creativity is a great motivator because it makes people interested in what they are doing. Creativity gives hope that there can be a worthwhile idea. Creativity gives the possibility of some sort of achievement to everyone. Creativity makes life more fun and more interesting.

Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity.