That is one of the most inspiring speeches I ever heard. I am a writer myself and the things she says could not be more true! Grab it, do it AND BE THANKFUL FOR IT! Because some unfortunate sould will never ever allow themselves to even begin to imagine, that they could create something divine. And - as it is with all good things - it comes back to where it was loved and thanked!
No fear of Ms. Gilbert ever going downhill in her creative endeavors. Eat-pray-love is brilliant yet Big Magic, her non-fiction exploration into the artistic process, is also an important work. Love you Liz.
So very true. The Daimon, the Genius and the Spiritual Electricity. To create it's such an act of surrendering, and we become humbled, like a tree -which branches- bearing many fruits, are touching the ground, and pay homage to the Earth, rather than to themselves. Thank you for such sweet delivery, such beautiful talk.
Wonderful! That's exactly what I feel when I write! It's not me but something else pouring through me, some divine force! That's why creative work is so addictive. Not because of the final result, admiration etc. but because of the process - including the ultimate connection with the Source.
If I may be so bold, I have read all of Ms. Gilbert's books. They are all brilliant and I love all of them. I'm also grateful for this TED talk. Thank you for keep writing! I'm excited to read your latest work.. I know you'll never see this.. but if you do, thank you.
What an excellent little event. Being a creative writer, I can so relate to the little thing in the room that inspires! There have been times when I have sat down to write and that thing is channeling through me like there is no tomorrow, but then there are those times when I just sit and stare and not a damn thing comes out. So I know that this is true!
Most of it is solid. I especially like that creatives are not wholly responsible for their art. This is something we should hold on to, that our failures and successes are not created in a vacuum but in response to what we feel, see, and experience.
Even Sir Isaac Newton said, "If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." That kinda ties into what she is saying. All information must come from an external source. Creativity is how you relate that information.
Freedom to create is not an abundant, always accepted, loved and cherished communications. That criticism she is talking about is coming from herself AND others. That will not go away. Blaming the fairies is a fictional way to describe, ignore peoples crap and be yourself. You want to release the pressure? Decide that your just going to do it for fun instead of a job. Anyone that produces FOR A LIVING will feel the pressure she speaks of, so get on with it and become more emotionally resilient.
To answer Mrs Gilbert's question early in the video of why everyone is so afraid of creative arts: it's because the vast majority of such artists live their lives in poverty and despair.What parent would wish that upon his child? Many great, now-known authors and painters died in poverty. If that happens to the best of them, what about the ones who stay at an average or below-average level? It's a very recent phenomenon that good authors can make a good living doing their craft.
I anticipate some people disagreeing with this, not because of super natural fairies, but of the idea of a deity. I won't argue about the divine. Instead, I wonder if they would find this "genius" to be the unconscious mind; or in the unconscious mind? Something which is not directly controlled, but can be very present when someone works. What do you think?
Metaphor, as in it's a comparison. So I think you nailed it as being some internal aspect that cannot necessarily be directly controlled, only harnessed. That talk of geniuses, muses, idea fairies.. It's a personification of the concept and a metaphor to compare the fickle aspects of the process to something storybook understandable for the audience. This is one of the few times I'd say some lack of accountability is healthy, though, regarding creativity and the amount of pressure it is to best yourself over and over.
If that were true, would people who are more connected with their unconscious mind be more creative than those who aren't? I don't personally believe in the supernatural, but as someone who is creative is is healthier for me to think of my creative mind as something outside of me which I must wait patiently for and be guided by, rather than stress myself out because I can't force ideas into my head when I need them.
Heck If someone is "in touch" with thier unconsciousness, they're really just more aware of it's patterns; I would say. The way that I understand the unconscious, is that it's reactionary. By which I mean, you don't choose what it does. The only way to affect it is by using repetition over months or years.
Heck I think, yes. One's ability to see patterns feeds into their creativity. It's worth noting at this point that creativity is extraordinarily useful for more than just artists. Scientists can also make new things if they can see, or at least pursue, larger patterns in their work.
Aye. They only recently started putting their stuff on youtube so they've got a lot of great stuff from the early days that needs to be uploaded. It'll trickle on over so we've always got good content on our subscriptions page.
This is probably just me being cynical. But I've worked really, really hard to develop my skill at art. I don't want to give the credit for it to mystical forces- I think I deserve the credit for the work that I did, whether or not a "muse" showed up in all of the hours I spent practicing.
See that's what makes science so beautiful; there is no grey area. The rest of your comment has nothing to do think this particular argument. Please stay on topic when your trying to persuade someone.
A very profound thought on creativity. Creativity is a divine gift from God this is why you need to be grateful for your successes. I know that feeling that Liz describes about Ruth Stone...believe me when I hear the poem I run to grab my pen and paper. Thank God I am not the only one.......LoL
They have been reuploading their vids from other TED sources to this channel for a long time. They have actually been explaining this to someone in EVERY reupped video in the past few months at least...lol so :P
The talk is full of inspiration to me but just one little mistake: "Allah, Allah, Allah!" Is one of our ways of expressing amazement, we are not calling that person God. It exactly like "(God), this is so beautiful!"
online etymology dictionary late 14c., "tutelary or moral spirit" who guides and governs an individual through life, from Latin genius "guardian deity or spirit which watches over each person from birth; spirit, incarnation; wit, talent;" also "prophetic skill," originally "generative power" (or "inborn nature"), from PIE *gen(e)-yo-, from root *gene- "to produce, give birth, beget" (see genus). Sense of "characteristic disposition" of a person is from 1580s. Meaning "person of natural intelligence or talent" and that of "exalted natural mental ability" are first recorded 1640s.
can a person really own their talents and claim them? many people seem to have the natural ability to do certain things. and i'm reminded that no human being on this planet we have named earth chose to be born and we do not know much about ourselves, we are still scratching the surface. goodness knows what our descendants will find out about what we are and are capable of
Well, it's a great talk in that it demonstrates that the human brain is perfectly capable is fooling even the smarter amongst us that thoughts rising from within ourselves come from outside. I'll leave it to people like James Randi and Tim Minchin to destroy such superstitions. What Elizabeth is right about, is that our genius is really not just our own. It's also the product of tools that enable us to receive genius from others. Those are language (not only the spoken kind) and observation.
Firstly, *Hear. Secondly, what is backwards about supporting whatever it takes for an artist to create a beautiful work? Granted, I personally wouldn't call her work beautiful, but it's beautiful to someone, and anything that allows her to swallow her success and provide more work to her fans is a good thing. Just because it's probably placebo effect doesn't mean that it doesn't work for her. And anything that makes you feel more confident in your work is a good thing, it being bollocks or not.
For sure! I would get nothing done. And I don't drink gin, sadly, it makes me sick. :-0 But vodka, after eight (in the evening,) is a different matter! peace, stg
i understand this feeling of self criticism its rough but as a comic book artist i never wonder if i can top my previous work i worry i wont have enough time to create it for creative incite feel free to check out my channel
i dont think she was actually preaching a belief in fairies but rather preaching the fact that creative people cant beat themselves up if the results they get dont reflect the work they put in. The fairies or spirit genius can be a metaphor. Also we know so little about the brain, it's not rediculous to suggest that one day science could prove Elizabeth Gilbert correct. Your opinion along with most in the west is influenced by humanism, a philosophy rather than a science.
I think she wants to keep her sanity by knowing that she's not completely responsible for her work. She is influenced and molded by her society and culture.
What a beautiful voice she has.
She is very beautiful too.
This video seriously helped me so much. Thank you. Not to be over-dramatic, but I feel like my life has been saved.
That is one of the most inspiring speeches I ever heard. I am a writer myself and the things she says could not be more true! Grab it, do it AND BE THANKFUL FOR IT! Because some unfortunate sould will never ever allow themselves to even begin to imagine, that they could create something divine. And - as it is with all good things - it comes back to where it was loved and thanked!
She's completely right. It's actually helpful. This video is by far the most helpful one to write a book
Such a beautiful elaboration pertaining to the human condition. It brought me to tears.
Only the true Artist understands what she describes...this creative flow is on a level of its own...
True
No fear of Ms. Gilbert ever going downhill in her creative endeavors. Eat-pray-love is brilliant yet Big Magic, her non-fiction exploration into the artistic process, is also an important work. Love you Liz.
So very true. The Daimon, the Genius and the Spiritual Electricity. To create it's such an act of surrendering, and we become humbled, like a tree -which branches- bearing many fruits, are touching the ground, and pay homage to the Earth, rather than to themselves. Thank you for such sweet delivery, such beautiful talk.
Wonderful! That's exactly what I feel when I write! It's not me but something else pouring through me, some divine force! That's why creative work is so addictive. Not because of the final result, admiration etc. but because of the process - including the ultimate connection with the Source.
Always has been one of the greatest journalists.
I just started crying during this and I have no idea why, its a very inspirational talk
Ole to you Elizabeth, if your next book is any where near as good as this performance, you have nothing to worry about.
If I may be so bold, I have read all of Ms. Gilbert's books. They are all brilliant and I love all of them. I'm also grateful for this TED talk. Thank you for keep writing! I'm excited to read your latest work.. I know you'll never see this.. but if you do, thank you.
What an excellent little event. Being a creative writer, I can so relate to the little thing in the room that inspires! There have been times when I have sat down to write and that thing is channeling through me like there is no tomorrow, but then there are those times when I just sit and stare and not a damn thing comes out. So I know that this is true!
Most of it is solid. I especially like that creatives are not wholly responsible for their art. This is something we should hold on to, that our failures and successes are not created in a vacuum but in response to what we feel, see, and experience.
As an artist, pressure of failure comes from public perception of my art, not from my lack of imaginary sources of support.
Absolutely BREATHTAKING!!!! Loved this. Thank you.
SUCH an amazing speech, no concept.
Beyond inspiring.
I love this so much, her words have inspired me before and this just pushes me further towards who I need to be.
absolutely the most incredible talk i have ever watched. thank you so much
Watching this at 2016 and somehow reminded of John's issue. Either way, this is awesome!
Even Sir Isaac Newton said, "If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." That kinda ties into what she is saying. All information must come from an external source. Creativity is how you relate that information.
This is the speech that kicked off my love for TED. Thanks for the reminder!
Even tho I have already seen this, I watched it again. She's a great public speaker.
Freedom to create is not an abundant, always accepted, loved and cherished communications. That criticism she is talking about is coming from herself AND others. That will not go away. Blaming the fairies is a fictional way to describe, ignore peoples crap and be yourself. You want to release the pressure? Decide that your just going to do it for fun instead of a job. Anyone that produces FOR A LIVING will feel the pressure she speaks of, so get on with it and become more emotionally resilient.
This one really hit home for me. Wow❤️
To answer Mrs Gilbert's question early in the video of why everyone is so afraid of creative arts: it's because the vast majority of such artists live their lives in poverty and despair.What parent would wish that upon his child? Many great, now-known authors and painters died in poverty. If that happens to the best of them, what about the ones who stay at an average or below-average level? It's a very recent phenomenon that good authors can make a good living doing their craft.
she will never give a speech quite a good as this one.
She speaks very fluently. I like it.
I anticipate some people disagreeing with this, not because of super natural fairies, but of the idea of a deity.
I won't argue about the divine. Instead, I wonder if they would find this "genius" to be the unconscious mind; or in the unconscious mind? Something which is not directly controlled, but can be very present when someone works.
What do you think?
Metaphor, as in it's a comparison. So I think you nailed it as being some internal aspect that cannot necessarily be directly controlled, only harnessed. That talk of geniuses, muses, idea fairies.. It's a personification of the concept and a metaphor to compare the fickle aspects of the process to something storybook understandable for the audience.
This is one of the few times I'd say some lack of accountability is healthy, though, regarding creativity and the amount of pressure it is to best yourself over and over.
I think it's a daemon, or demon..
If that were true, would people who are more connected with their unconscious mind be more creative than those who aren't? I don't personally believe in the supernatural, but as someone who is creative is is healthier for me to think of my creative mind as something outside of me which I must wait patiently for and be guided by, rather than stress myself out because I can't force ideas into my head when I need them.
Heck If someone is "in touch" with thier unconsciousness, they're really just more aware of it's patterns; I would say. The way that I understand the unconscious, is that it's reactionary. By which I mean, you don't choose what it does. The only way to affect it is by using repetition over months or years.
Heck I think, yes. One's ability to see patterns feeds into their creativity. It's worth noting at this point that creativity is extraordinarily useful for more than just artists. Scientists can also make new things if they can see, or at least pursue, larger patterns in their work.
Old but gold
This was wonderfully comforting.
Brilliant speech by a seemingly wonderful person.
Charming woman. Props.
Incredible! I love her!
Read her book 'Big Magic' if you haven't already! I read it frequently and it's a life changer.
Thank you Dan this was very interesting
Aye. They only recently started putting their stuff on youtube so they've got a lot of great stuff from the early days that needs to be uploaded. It'll trickle on over so we've always got good content on our subscriptions page.
Absolutely fantastic.
Olé! Very inspiring.
I fell asleep watching this. Nothing wrong with the talk I'm sure, I was just up all night
Elizabeth Gilbert! BRAVO, Mi Amiga!!! PERFECTO!!!
This is so beautiful.
Great talk! Loved it.
This is probably just me being cynical. But I've worked really, really hard to develop my skill at art. I don't want to give the credit for it to mystical forces- I think I deserve the credit for the work that I did, whether or not a "muse" showed up in all of the hours I spent practicing.
Game Grumps >.>
im intrigued as to how this might relate to game grumps
perhaps that channeling of creative energy is coming from a different part of our brain than our conciseness resides.
Great talk.
As an artist I completely agree! :)
See that's what makes science so beautiful; there is no grey area. The rest of your comment has nothing to do think this particular argument. Please stay on topic when your trying to persuade someone.
LOL...I just watched this and got a network intruder ! Anyways, inspiring talk. Thx for sharing.
A very profound thought on creativity. Creativity is a divine gift from God this is why you need to be grateful for your successes. I know that feeling that Liz describes about Ruth Stone...believe me when I hear the poem I run to grab my pen and paper. Thank God I am not the only one.......LoL
They have been reuploading their vids from other TED sources to this channel for a long time. They have actually been explaining this to someone in EVERY reupped video in the past few months at least...lol so :P
This touched my inner fruit.
The talk is full of inspiration to me but just one little mistake:
"Allah, Allah, Allah!" Is one of our ways of expressing amazement, we are not calling that person God. It exactly like "(God), this is so beautiful!"
Insightful + inspiring! Could certain video games stimulate our brain to think in more creative ways?
I guess Richard Paul Evans, or Nicholas Sparks got past their fears ....and wrote some great books!
online etymology dictionary
late 14c., "tutelary or moral spirit" who guides and governs an individual through life, from Latin genius "guardian deity or spirit which watches over each person from birth; spirit, incarnation; wit, talent;" also "prophetic skill," originally "generative power" (or "inborn nature"), from PIE *gen(e)-yo-, from root *gene- "to produce, give birth, beget" (see genus). Sense of "characteristic disposition" of a person is from 1580s. Meaning "person of natural intelligence or talent" and that of "exalted natural mental ability" are first recorded 1640s.
I have no idea what you guys are mad about. I just wanted to join in.
where can i buy this, its amazing
I love her.
seen this one already. does ted reupload their stuff?
can a person really own their talents and claim them? many people seem to have the natural ability to do certain things. and i'm reminded that no human being on this planet we have named earth chose to be born and we do not know much about ourselves, we are still scratching the surface. goodness knows what our descendants will find out about what we are and are capable of
Absolutely nothing as long as you've been drinking since the night before. HAHA
Well, it's a great talk in that it demonstrates that the human brain is perfectly capable is fooling even the smarter amongst us that thoughts rising from within ourselves come from outside. I'll leave it to people like James Randi and Tim Minchin to destroy such superstitions.
What Elizabeth is right about, is that our genius is really not just our own. It's also the product of tools that enable us to receive genius from others. Those are language (not only the spoken kind) and observation.
The best!
Profound!
Firstly, *Hear. Secondly, what is backwards about supporting whatever it takes for an artist to create a beautiful work? Granted, I personally wouldn't call her work beautiful, but it's beautiful to someone, and anything that allows her to swallow her success and provide more work to her fans is a good thing. Just because it's probably placebo effect doesn't mean that it doesn't work for her. And anything that makes you feel more confident in your work is a good thing, it being bollocks or not.
Francis Cobain led me here. It's as if this most of this talk could have been about her father. Hmmmm. I like it.
brain works in mysterious ways
This gal gets it.
Nicely put. :)
Just wow...!
i guess there are ted speeches for everybody... this is mine
its in the suggested videos dude .... same name ... ted talks director
Amazing
Thanks
Brilliant
awesome.
OLAY!
She's wonderful!
"Why not think about it this way" she asks. I don't know ! cause thinking about it that way isn't how it really is !
Only watching this because there're two people making the presentation.
Hoy necesitaba oir esto!!!
Only creative people will understand her..
Protip: Praying is the same as doing nothing.
Game grumps bought me hear
For sure! I would get nothing done. And I don't drink gin, sadly, it makes me sick. :-0
But vodka, after eight (in the evening,) is a different matter!
peace, stg
agree
yes
Boat juice? You can't juice a boat.
I was captivated by the talk until the 8th min. BS radar turned on.
This is TED ed, which is different
i understand this feeling of self criticism its rough but as a comic book artist i never wonder if i can top my previous work i worry i wont have enough time to create it
for creative incite feel free to check out my channel
Wow.
i dont think she was actually preaching a belief in fairies but rather preaching the fact that creative people cant beat themselves up if the results they get dont reflect the work they put in. The fairies or spirit genius can be a metaphor. Also we know so little about the brain, it's not rediculous to suggest that one day science could prove Elizabeth Gilbert correct. Your opinion along with most in the west is influenced by humanism, a philosophy rather than a science.
I think she wants to keep her sanity by knowing that she's not completely responsible for her work. She is influenced and molded by her society and culture.
shes pretty
Dear Elizabeth. Don't listen to Tom Waits' stories. He's a lawyer, he ain't the one for ya.
That's a fairly eloquent crazy person. RIP
thankyou, miss cobain