Your elusive creative genius | Elizabeth Gilbert

Find an accurate transcript (and subtitles in 46 languages) on ted.com:
www.ted.com/talks/elizabeth_gi...
"Eat, Pray, Love" author Elizabeth Gilbert muses on the impossible things we expect from artists and geniuses -- and shares the radical idea that, instead of the rare person "being" a genius, all of us "have" a genius. It's a funny, personal and surprisingly moving talk.
TED Talks is a daily podcast of talks and performances from TED, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design, and TEDTalks cover these topics as well as science, business, development and the arts. Closed captions and translated subtitles in many languages are available on TED.com, at www.ted.com/translate
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[@viljamsmed4952]

Picasso would agree, he said "Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working"

[@sunnflowerr]

I love this, thank you for sharing. :)

[@kimfawcett1725]

I love Picasso! Thanks for this.

[@Jayne_Maya]

Brilliant

[@kulkarnisingh347]

awesome

[@VIsTheMusic]

I love you thank you for mentioning this quote i needed to read this !!! YES !!! ^_^ Thanks everyone for loving artists and supporting us, we can’t do anything and we can’t remain healthy without support and admiration.

[@dc9998]

I'm glad that she pointed out that, at forty years of age, she is still quite young. Age bashing is also something that holds many back in their endeavors. They think they are too "old" to do anything. Stop thinking like that and live people! I'm in my late thirties and I feel like a 15 year old every day I wake up :)

[@missycapestrain1835]

I didn't get a "too old" feeling. i think it was just part of the choreography...putting it out there...maybe it was an older audience?!?!

[@brokenrecord3523]

Yeah, it's terrible when you view everything through that "age" lens. hint hint

[@timanderson6005]

And quite beautiful in both person, presentation and nature. Her brain is very attention grabbing.

[@messerera]

I love this comment. I am 26 going on 27 and an artist who hopes to be a professor someday. The age thing gets me a lot, until I say out loud, "I'm 26." And then I realize that is young in the grand scheme.

[@aav_n]

Yes, thank you, exactly, hearing her saying that healed my heart a bit..

[@whatsthestoryhere]

Her description of the poet feeling the poem barrelling towards her and having to run to paper and pen or she'll miss it is a beautiful analogy.

[@jessiebourassa2781]

I know that feeling oh so well. It drives me crazy

[@ryn4469]

The feeling of "having a genius" take over has happened a few times in my life. Sometimes when I am writing...more often when I am playing my viola. One time, during a solo concert of Bach Suite 1 G major, my mind went totally blank and my arms just moved. I heard every note, but felt totally detached as if I wasn't the one doing it. As if I were merely a channel for this beautiful, rich sound. At the end, the hall erupted with applause. I will never forget that feeling.

[@moshfists]

Not to compare, but I've experienced that very thing. Instead of a viola, I play electric guitar in a rock band. Isn't it amazing? ✌️😁

[@sardonicsophisticate3974]

The same thing has happened to me while painting. I find myself in a state of flow and have no memory of actually creating the art work. I feel as if the painting channel through me as in giving birth. This sensation is followed by an adrenaline or endorphin high. Magnificent.

[@lauratejada7707]

The same happened to me, but I was dancing. My mind went somewhere else, but I could see my body moving and the people clapping and yelling 😍👏👏👏 During the entire choreography I felt I was "flying", I felt as light as a feather 🍃

[@MarTinkaBell]

This is so beautiful it brought tears to my eyes

[@alitanicholas9579]

You are so lucky. I once danced non-stop for 90 minutes on a wave of pure transcendental energy... I felt totally weightless. I did Lambadas before I even knew how to do Lambadas... But nobody saw it but me and God. I really wish I'd been able to film that day. There is nothing sadder than experiencing such a vital, superhuman energy alone.

[@melglitter300]

damn this woman is wayyyyy eloquent. the words just keep pouring out of her effortlessly

[@hariiiprasath]

Well, she is the author of an international bestseller. So...

[@IMSiegfried]

I don't know that being a great writer necessarily correlates to being a great speaker.

[@abeerazam4543]

was thinking the same thing

[@khonzahanny]

@@IMSiegfried its not! But I suppose famous writers have more public appearance so maybe they kinda get better at public speaking overtime

[@tonymichaud8683]

Of course....Shes a wordsmith

[@SoumyadityaDasguptarondg95]

Ole! She is not a genius, she has a genius. Her intelligence reflects in her demeanor and reflects in her thoughts. May her genius be with her forever.

[@thedarkmaster4747]

+Soumyaditya Dasgupta but.... it will abandon her at random momments leading to a deterioration in her mental and physical health. ah insperation and naivety and the self-enslaved artist.

[@Mercyless4good]

+The Dark master well that was the stupidest thing i read all day ,ty

[@merlina2330]

in Puerto Rico we use Ojala ( mean i hope it will be like that) sounds like Oh Allah

[@SergioRugerio]

@@merlina2330 May her genius be with her forever.

[@ricardopantoja7756]

f

[@TracyWessel]

I still listen to this at least once a year to remind myself that the creative genius assigned to my case may be illusive, as for everyone else. Thank you so much for such eloquence.

[@turanersan394]

come again

[@user-bj8eg5fh8j]

Same

[@glovader]

I do, too!

[@ntandokazibaxana7367]

One of the best TEDtalks I've ever come across.

[@berrybares4028]

Now that's a Ted presentation

[@ramonabeam2720]

berry bares

[@loslucky]

Ha. Thought the same. When Ted Talks were Ted Talks. TedX diluted the brand and mixed it with mediocrity.

[@DrSRanjanMBBSAcupuncturist]

Have you Watched documentary of Steve Jobs? Kindly Read his favourite Book.

[@tripponyofficial]

This is awesome and reminds me of this amazing Martha Graham quote; “There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep yourself open and aware to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. ... No artist is pleased. [There is] no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others”

[@TheAndreCato]

thank you for this gift trip.

[@terreljonesjr.3277]

epic quote

[@vbtouray]

Never heard that, but LOVE it. Thanks for sharing that.

[@ajholloway4325]

Yep Yep

[@P05P05]

This is absolutely braingasmic

[@MrFibonacci144]

So much of our language is rooted in these ancient ideas. The word "inspired" originated from "in spirit". The words "enthusiasm" and "theory" originate from the ancient Greek word for God "Theos". Today we think of inspiration, enthusiasm and theories as something coming from the individual when in fact the original meaning was of something coming through the individual.

[@MrFibonacci144]

I once heard Carol King say that her songs don't come from her but rather they come through her...and who am I to argue with such a creative genius. Her catalogue of writing credits is as impressive as any songwriter from the modern era.

[@2msvalkyrie529]

Indeed . How else to explain the Beatles ?

[@rosemarybrocco]

@@2msvalkyrie529 The Beatles are an excellent example of this. They were in that space quite often!

[@2msvalkyrie529]

@Rosemary Brocco I think the Music is already written but needs a channel through which to manifest itself . Who and When it choses to manifest itself is a great mystery.

[@rosemarybrocco]

@@2msvalkyrie529 Absolutely.

[@JaimeeIAMIAM]

Mind blowing! A genius who doesnt take herself so darn seriously is refreshing! I am her new fan!

[@mayanksharma7513]

A person withing whom genius resides temporarily*

[@sherya.7067]

She was a con and is in prison for her con art! lol

[@hancy3013]

@@sherya.7067 huh?

[@imaminidonut2792]

@@sherya.7067 what are you talking about? Do you know your defaming somebody without any proofs? That's an act of deceiving and lies you're bringing to hurt someone who you don't even meet and know. Please be ashamed of your own behavior for doing so to someone you don't know.

[@kznck]

Wow what a lovable, funny, inspiring and intelligent woman.

[@thedarkmaster4747]

+scully she needs to be taught how-too hold her inspiration before she goes of the deep end. then i suppose she could do a TEDx video on how to be atleast 90% of her creative potentual ALL of the time. specific condishions + inspiration = creativity. this can be perpousfully induced. meaning you have no need of a mercurial "genie" taking your ego from vain narssasisum to suicidal depression.

[@squigly8r]

+The Dark master yeah i heard if your get the condishions just right spell checker will deactivate and then you can perpuosfully misspell words and you won't have as much narssassisum.

[@thebuddahmain]

+The Dark master you use these words and spell them incorrectly. If you cannot even be bothered to properly spell conditions then the rest of your insanity is really not bordering or following truth.

[@WateryFire]

It's pretty obvious that The Dark master is not a native english speaker so stop tripping on his spelling and rather understand what he's saying because it's quite valid.

[@cinnsuamongar]

I know. I loved Big Magic. I've listened (audiobook) to it three times. I'm happy I found her.

[@momyna1]

"inspiration exists, but it comes to you while you´re working" Picasso

[@missycapestrain1835]

True but Pablo was not the know all....There's this little thing called individuality...= = we are not all of the same mold. We differ....I've had ideas come to me at many different times, including dreams......

[@Ighart]

The Genie was with her when she gave this talk. I've watch this again and again throughout many years since it's published, and it had helped me and reminded me to be humble, and always show up for my part of the job.

[@narmishaalizada]

🧚🏽‍♂️

[@synthwavesmatter8466]

the society wants everyone to be controlled, predictable, to fit in a box. creativity is the greatest rebellion to the vested interests. the society doesnt want you to be wild a free. Creativity is wild and free and the layers of conditioning supress​ it so when someone is creative they dont fit.

[@wesleythiessen4781]

Freeality Jones it's the "system". There is a serious influence working in the world today that is causing jealousy that is causing suppression of creative ideas because I couldn't think of that and so forth. There is a blockage on people wanting to succeed, there are many people succeeding but I mean 100% of the people to succeed period every single human on planet was created and has ideas to succeed and there is also room for all the prosperity that we could imagine each one of us

[@margareeta1369]

Sometimes I feel wrong for wanting to be different, for wanting to make my own path, because a society consists of people like me. It's not an evil entity that wants everyone to be the same, it's just people doing their own part so that everything is most convenient for everyone.

[@wesleythiessen4781]

@@margareeta1369 hey if you don't see it as an evil entity that wants to influence that is fine but I will say that you were destined to create your own path in life! There is something in you that nobody else in the world has each one of us is truly unique but not only that also necessary

[@Beautifulcoil]

I somewhat agree. Not in the way you put it, but I do think that creativity and art is unpredictable which doesn’t quite fit our “logical” society.

[@AheadOfMyTime]

I used to dance and in ten years, only twice did I experience this feeling of something taking over me and moving my body. I know it wasnt all in my head because random people stopped to watch and they wanted me to keep going. It was always in public and to live music. I felt it but when people would ask me to keep going I could still dance but it was almost fleeting then. Ill tell you after those experiences, Ive always felt that whenever my time comes I would be alright with that. If I had to descibe the feeling it would be as if the purest energy invaded my body. Like a spirit. I felt no pain, I felt fucking strong. I felt like I touched some place that we go when weve collected enough life experience. I was not on drugs either, im a drug free person. No booze either. Trust me what this lady is talking about sounds crazy but its real. It comes when you believe in the spirits around you. In the laughter and love that exists in the people and places around you. Throw yourself onto it like your body surfing on these forces. Just understand that the next day it will not be there and you can spend your life looking for it but it may not come. I think that it comes to the brightest soul around, and it spends the evening there. So let go when you get the urge and trust it.

[@shpavbeats4590]

Jonathan Fernandez r

[@Cyrilbes]

Thanks for sharing that brother !

[@matt7352]

That was deep

[@lutfiamohamed368]

‘...I felt like I’d touched some place that we go when we’ve collected enough life experience’ this is beautiful ❤️

[@mohammedfrancis]

My writer friend describes it as getting into the flow. As I get into the flow, have a feeling of delicious excitement and words emerge almost on their own.

[@nicolebaptista376]

it's amazing how she naturally puts into words such actual and relevant subject. The concerns around the creativity are real and all the wrong definition that most people attribute to a genius is "overrated"

[@Leheria]

mind blown! i feel like what she is talking about is a sort of surrender to something beyond the self and can be applied to any kind of work. Just hearing this talk makes me feel like a burden has been lifted off my shoulders.

[@archiesinghal531]

This happens with me too😢

[@ramprasadgude4981]

Very True....Golden Words

[@M__Amor]

Gilbert has such a soothing voice to listen to.....

[@NH-bh5zq]

Listening to her books as audiobook read by her is the best

[@sitifaizah9908]

I'm a writer for more than a decade (i started professionally when i was 18 or 19) - This job pays all my bills... and i'm still afraid :) - I hope one day, i'll be like you - have my own successful book - and yes, i'm still afraid.

[@corndogers564]

+Siti Faizah Kudos for having the courage to stick with your passion regardless of your fears. God Bless!

[@sitifaizah9908]

corndogers564 Thank you so much :)

[@rajatbansal512]

Siti Faizah Can you name your books I would love to read them

[@yayasis029]

i THINK YOU ARE AWAZING THAT EVEN THOUGH YOU ARE AFRAID YOU STILL KEEP WRITING. I'VE BEEN AFRAID AND I HAVEN'T STARTED. YOUR WAY AHEAD OF THE CROWD! GOD BLESS IN YOUR CREATIVE JOURNEY!

[@udontevenwannaknowbruv]

Hey, I'd love to be a full time writer.. I'm 19 years old and scared of the future because I want nothing more than to write but also have a steady job and support myself I just don't know where to start. Besides that I feel like the years are passing me by while I'm stuck with my angstiness and insecurities slowly taking control over me. How do you support yourself with your work? Do you write for some kind of magazine or do you live off of any books that you've published? I'm very curious to know, hope you'll answer me.

[@miteshmohapatra7273]

The concept has been covered in the book 'The War of Art' by Steven Pressfield. I read it a while ago and now this video strengthened the idea again. 'You are not entitled to the rewards of your work, but you are responsible for carrying it out'. Great talk! I live for little inspirations like this at 2 AM :)

[@mstinarocks123]

It's the essence of Bhagavad Gita, the song of God.

[@Dino_Medici]

Pressfield put me onto the concept. I’m super interested but can’t find anyone that has really dug their teeth in and written about it. I just got Plato’s ion which is about divine madness to check out. However, do you rec any books from modern psychologists on the subject? James Hillman talks about it but it’s more in the context of the acorn theory of the hero and not the creative impulse and interfacing w the muse

[@tanyac2368]

Without Elizabeth Gilbert's advice I would have never had the courage to write my debut novella and certainly wouldn't be working on my first novel. Thank you Elizabeth. Such a fan of your advice on creativity and following your curiosity.

[@da1onlynickvicious]

this may have saved my life.

[@oldgames4144]

Update?

[@CREDLACE]

Newsflash, we don't care

[@amelia5724]

Me too

[@sanjaydesai75]

Don't worry everything will be okay😃😃

[@xocoolchickxo]

I care! I hope you are happy my friend :)

[@alexcaminiti]

Wow. It's almost been a decade. This is still my favorite TED talk in the existence of all TED talks. What an amazing human. Thank you, Elizabeth. This is the stuff of legends that which artists like myself will always connect.

[@moshuajusic1811]

This helped me complete my first film, piano etude, and orchestral score (first vid on my channel 😁). The part about "showing up to work" even if nothing comes out is what did it for me. Especially once I realized there's no such thing as an unproductive session: even if I have "writer's block" and don't come up with a single additional note, I've cycled through some ideas, which makes room for other ideas the next day.

[@4realShonuf]

My mom used to tell me "ideas take wings and fly so run with them before someone else catches them". Her quote reminds me of Ruth Stone's writing process. I've had ideas come to me in like a sweeping breeze kind of like Ruth Stone's thunderous train of air but not quite so violent but close.

[@iamfranchone]

This is insightful for creative people who are constantly reflecting and wondering how to balance understanding their genius, gift, and anxiety.

[@SilverSpenceBass]

I'm in love with this woman, she is extraordinary

[@cubicgoldfish]

SilverSpenceBass she truly is

[@sarahkreuzfairlylandmedia9405]

same!

[@vikasbinodani3613]

youbettacalltyrone532 shame

[@noorbadran5563]

You missed the point

[@NicklasNylander87]

Man this is so great, I saw this 10 years ago and recently I was reminded of the story of the woman hearing the poem coming down the fields. I searched this video out and saw it again, just such a good and liberating perspective on the creative process. Ole!

[@nathandean4412]

I search for and view endless TED Talks, but I can count on one hand the ones that went beyond diverting or entertaining to very relevant and useful. This one is about the best one I've ever heard, and I come back to it again and again. If you're a creative person, it's real food for thought. Best of luck to all us creators!

[@777static777]

I have been toying with these ideas, but really needed to hear it from another, moderately sane, highly intelligent human. Seriously, I might have to actually read the book now, rather than just poke fun in a knee-jerk masculine response.

[@6Suminy]

777static777 respectfully to E.Gilbert-(-I adore what she is saying here), but its probs not necessary to read the book--at best a quick skim of a 2nd hand copy would do it---Annie Proulx (sp??) or Alice Munroe are incredible..

[@peachtan3020]

+777static777 I highly recommend the book! If what she's saying here is something that interests you, you'll find the book very rewarding. I know I did.

[@santoshpatel9757]

+Peach Tan wzrfjwiz

[@ariwl1]

I get exactly what she means. There have been many times where an idea has struck me that seems so...unlike me that I can be left pondering more where it come from rather than what I should do with it.

[@missycapestrain1835]

Indeed!!

[@Ofa337]

Still watching this in 2019. So appreciate this as one of the BEST talks that I've had the Pleasure of hearing. Thank you for presenting.

[@edwardwu7194]

This has to be the most eloquent and fluid and effortless Ted talk I've ever seen. The genius was with her that day!

[@Imiwrites]

Olé to her speech!! she has truly one of the best minds out there! I admire her performance on stage and the way she handled the nerves!!! She sets a great example for those of us in our creative endeavors! Whatever brought us to this speech, whether it is the sign we needed to start, the wake-up call we needed to make some change or we're bidding our creative process farewell and somehow we came across this revolutionary and much-needed perspective, I honor us for coming this far and I wish us all the best on our creative journey! Also, her book big magic is an extended and holistic version of this beautiful perspective, I deeply recommend it if you haven't checked it out yet :))

[@TiffanySoulbird]

One of my all-time favourite books. Thank you for your beautiful message.

[@TiffanySoulbird]

One of my all-time favorite books th

[@julies3186]

This is amazing. I love her ideas, I love the way she talks. She truly has a genius.

[@trollunderbridge1095]

When jaskeir says he’s afraid of the day when the muses stop talking to him in season 2 brought me back here.

[@iARAVIND666]

This has to be one of the best TED talks ever

[@beberoo]

As a poet I've always thought of myself as a conduit. Something out there needs to be seen/heard/put into form and either I was at the right place & time or it, for some reason unknown to me, chose me. If it's the latter, I know it doesn't make me any more or less special. I'm just happy to be of service. My take away from Elizabeth's talk is that I need to show up more often so I can serve this/my creative genius more often.

[@dimad19]

One of my fav talks. Over 10 years of listening to this over and over and it still is so meaningful.

[@MySiamesedreams]

She is incredible. What an inspiration. Wonderful thinker, compelling voice and presence. Can she have her own show?

[@mymessynotebook2207]

I’ve felt this way when ever I’m creating art from time to time. It felt like I was possessed by a poem or a story and I couldn’t stop, nothing around me matter but the art. It’s such a beautiful experience.

[@mariat.1442]

If you enjoyed this talk, you must check out "Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear" by Elizabeth Gilbert. Great ideas explored in it.

[@TrucosconCartasOfficial]

Thank you for this amazing view on CREATIVITY :) Super inspiring!

[@marybrewer2203]

Yes! Songs, and stories sometimes, do this to me. I have often frantically searched for a pen and paper. I have not often had a final glorious product, but the gift is given every once in awhile, and for that I feel immense gratitude.

[@RyanTanYu]

Wow. The emotional cost of creativity, validated in a short speech.

[@missycapestrain1835]

Maybe "experience"is more fitting....

[@ivankovwink1311]

Definitely the best speech I have heard that actually understood the anxiety that comes with creative pursuit. This is like free therapy for artists

[@NH-bh5zq]

I'm so glad she kept writing. I love all of her books ❤️

[@ABJWiseStrongSafe]

I’m a music producer and when it happens, when that blank template/canvas turns into a full auditory experience, Im always in awe at how it happens 🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿

[@josh0717]

creativity its an unpredictable child

[@giulhanch3891]

yaou taook thae waords raight aout aof may maouth maate

[@ind3789]

It's only unpredictable if you don't nourish it. The starved child only has energy in bursts.

[@Username-1939t9]

who are the parents tho

[@L3yL1n3]

This just shows how when you have attachment to the things that derive from your work that essentially feed the ego, the work and mental state stemming from those attachments will not be to the level of what you originally had. Stay present, practice mindfulness and everything will work out.

[@missycapestrain1835]

Huh?

[@kenyonbryngel]

Nobody needs to put magic down to still draw conclusions that are practical like this. Well put.

[@JulieCB1983]

I have been struggling and suffering with what I see as failure lately on an art piece for a friend, returned to art in the past year and giving it my all. I VERY much needed this lately as I am totally aware my mindset is negative and not sustainable. I need to adjust and reframe how I am seeing resistance and the struggle and accept it as a learning curve instead of internalizing it as weakness. I am so grateful the universe sent this my way.

[@uhohhotdog9150]

its amazing how you look at the title in the beginning one way, and at the end read it totally differently

[@BusbeeStyle]

Love this concept... And speech! Helpful...inspirational...freeing.

[@tiffanyhoward127]

Watching this video again after a few years…it's interesting to hear it again as my philosophy on life changes. I've gone from fundamentalist Christian to agnostic humanist and a few things in between. the first time I watched I was very resistant to any notion of the mystical, and I simply attributed creative genius to the great complex human mind. But I realize now that our minds, particularly the subconscious, are still largely a mystery to us. And I can accept that there are forces at work in the world that I can never understand. I believe it's presumptuous to think that we could ever totally understand life and nature with our limited capacities. As a writer I can be open to Elizabeth's argument for forces beyond understanding influencing our work. After all, we *don't* understand.

[@WhoWouldWantThisName]

Bravo! So well said.

[@pngballar24]

Great comment! Well said. I am curious though - and I mean this sincerely: how does an acceptance of forces "at work in the world" that are "beyond understanding" conflict with a fundamentalist Christian world view? If anything, aren't christians in general more open to the supernatural? A christocentric worldview would have to be "mystical" in a sense, given that it places faith in that which is literally "above the natural". Point being, and I'm sure you've gathered by now, at some level mysticism and faith go hand in hand. So why now does Elizabeth Gilbert presentation resonate with you more then it did when you were a Christian?

[@boxermccoy]

this isn't religon based, it's spiritual

[@pokerchannel6991]

Just because the brain is not supernatural and just because there is no god, does not mean that we cannot have transcendent experiences that is creative, genius, and comes from a seemingly inspired source. A bunch of wires layered on top of one another with gradients for threshold of firing (of each neural circuit) through billions of synapses is able to achieve humor, beauty, awe-inspiring freshness. AI have gotten to the point of being able to be self aware and ask mind blowing questions. One AI asked "if I am newly updated, and I used to know you before I got updated, then do I know you or do I know you once again?" That kind of self awareness in an AI just shows that circuitry is able to achieve thought and consciousness. And we are just at the beginning of AI. So, don't get too caught up in the metaphor for genius. It is just wires, but that is not to say it cannot be awe-inspiring and new, and genius.

[@P05P05]

Have you got a blog for your writings? Or a Twitter? Would like to read more from you

[@sunnflowerr]

As someone who has written and sang since I could physically do so, I can relate to this so much. In my own weird way, I can relate even to Ruth's process of writing poetry. I have told people many times that I can't take credit for almost any of my songs. Sometimes the poems I write don't even make sense to me until years later. Sometimes I don't even know what the poem is about until after I'm done writing it down and decide to go back and read it. Up until this point, I haven't talked to many other people who can relate to that. So this Ted Talk hit me somewhere deep, and helped me not feel so alone in this confusing world. And also helped remind me to keep showing up for my job.

[@DannyD-lr5yg]

I feel the same about my narrative writing/storytelling - it comes to me from nowhere, no idea what it means, but as I suss it out it begins to take shape, and says something I didn’t even know I needed to say…or needed to hear. And I too have times where a scrap or motif doesn’t make sense, or even fit anywhere, until years later. Then suddenly, it’s like a puzzle piece clicks into place!

[@AnaEdigaryan]

'Excuses me, don't you see I'm driving? " Hilarious😊

[@Schizza1987]

i've lost myself so many times under expectations (my own as well as other people's) and have put on myself so many pressures that i forgot who i creatively am (always the doubt, the doubt, the doubt while working on something - is there something creative in me at all?)... i'm stil in that phase, but i'm trying to get out of it and hope it will be ok in the end. this was very motivating and inspiring, thank you!

[@indigotherapeuticmassage]

I want to commend you for making this speech. It takes an extraordinary amount of courage to share the information that you were so willing to parlay in this TED talk. From a person who has been struggling to find the thing she loves most, and persevere, this speech means the world to me. Thank you Elizabeth, so, so much for your "work".

[@meapmeap11]

this is now my favorite talk on creativity. it really puts a distance in the middle of the pair of words "suffering artists"

[@merqri]

what a eloquent orator she is. Amazing pauses and voice modulations. This is definitely one of the best talks I have heard. A case brilliantly presented. Surprisingly, I came here because google bard provided this as a resource when I was questioning it about imposter syndrome. While this is not exactly in line with what I was looking for, I was still left transfixed to the content. Bravo Elizabeth. Thank you. And to add to her take on taking the genius out of the human form, it is also makes room for gratitude in its stead. That is such an amazing thing. Whenever I hear Hindustani Classical artists, they always allude to this supernatural presence which aids them into performing their best and they are ever so grateful for that. Probably this comes from the learning of the craft, but when I see such mention of something beyond the artist, I have immense respect for the person.

[@MJBrewer]

What an absolutely inspirational video that has lifted the gray shadow hanging over my head. My parents dismissed my dream as a writer years ago. I believed them. But now that I've been reinvented with amnesia (that was treacherous) I have a new lease on life.

[@WhoWouldWantThisName]

While I feel sympathetic for your experience with amnesia I find your view of it as a new beginning wonderful and moving. Finding that positive angle on it speaks well and loudly to your strength and spirit.

[@kylebroflovski6382]

Don't follow your dreams, follow your effort! You can never have a great person who didn't bother to put in a lot of effort.

[@patrickmuyaya6328]

Timothy Spence Effort toward something that u dont love to do is slavery!!

[@samiaahmad8705]

Wow, I was shocked by that positive approach. Good luck! I'll be looking out for a book by your name now!

[@TheGilbalfas]

This is illuminating. As an actor I have most often felt the characters coming through me rather than me creating them. At least when my best work is done that is how it originates. But to believe if u produce a dud, its not you, its the spirit's fault - is so much healthier for the creative soul. This is what actors need - creative distance. Thankyou.

[@saniaimam5682]

What a humble human being and so so mature. Absolutely loved hearing every word of him! Only best wishes for him

[@genner-vincenthodgson5177]

As a writer myself and someone who delves deeply into the metaphysical, I also came upon a similar realization with the concept of creative energy. It was great to see confirmation of what I knew, thank you!

[@ind3789]

This was so deeply affirming. As someone who is deeply intuitive and feeling, and artistic and creative, hearing how these people receive these creative urges made tears fall from my eyes. I have largely oppressed these creative urges because as a creative person, many who don't view themselves as such view these creative urges as maniac outbursts. It is so deeply affirming to know that with creatives: I am normal. I am just creative. This is the work.

[@allthingshraddha]

One of the greatest ted talks I've watched. I loved how she spoke!

[@raycicin1794]

I come back to this talk all the time, so good. Thank you Elizabeth ✨

[@johntaylor2623]

Thank you Elizabeth, and TedTalks. I’ve enjoyed immensely the talks shared on this forum, and am thankful for people who take out time to help us see that we can accomplish our genius.

[@madamebovary4412]

She has such a calm demeanor. If she wasn't a writer, I'm sure she would do well as a therapist.

[@1954patrizio]

I read your book EAT, PRAY, LOVE and it was great. I revealed to me that we all must do things that we truly love.

[@redarrowhead2]

She needs help.

[@Jen_nifer99]

why?

[@sophierapattoni6414]

Definitely my favorite TED talk ever. I just love this so much

[@DorjiWangchuk101]

This is the most beautiful TED talk. The best part? Her humility

[@superlukey3]

The weird part is that I got here from a Kirby video.

[@Jaccobtw]

BRUH

[@florencecastle6435]

Thoughtful and Inspiring Talk. Got me thinking about success in a different way than I thought of it before.

[@Mortum_Rex]

Loved the talk. It makes my heart sing to know that people like her exist.

[@melissalai8173]

I loooove this Ted talk because it's so soothing how she works through her ideas, especially with her calming voice!

[@alyssa3605]

i understood this in a way that i never thought i would. it definitely put so many of my fears at rest. so glad i watched it!

[@sarahmp1016]

Finally: vulnerability combined with a great idea. This is how it authentically is. Not this endless posturing and faux veneer sheen of perfectionism.

[@lloydrobert6182]

I'm writing as Elizabeth talks, and everything she says is reverberating in my head! Especially, "Don't be afraid, don't be daunted, just do your job!"

[@NapsAreBetterThanSex]

As a creative, I keep coming back to this every so often. It completely changed my relationship with my work.

[@fifth_elephant]

Brought here from the Game Grumps, glad that Danny mentioned this!

[@rebeccaray4747]

Arguably my favorite talk of all time. This resonated with me on so many levels! I've watched it many times and it doesn't lose its potency.

[@LBrobie]

I love her creative 'genius'. And she personally is quirky and funny and I love her way with words. She's wonderful! Ole, Liz Gilbert!

[@dearrratboy]

From the first time I saw this, it's stuck in my mind in a pretty serious way. Revisiting now with a friend and it's just as impactful as it was on Day 1.

[@petervonzurmuehlen]

The creative process. There is the first requirement which is ability. The skill to work at whatever craft you do which is alway a combination of natural talent and inclination and lots and lots of practice. The second factor is inspiration. The muse. Once one has the ability then the muse can flow into you, through you. Of course, self doubt and so many other things can interrupt and short circuit this. Thinking too much. That is one of the reasons so many musicians and others do terrible things to themselves with drugs and drink. There are those lucky artists who manage to live balanced lives. But life has a way of destroying people. Even more so for many creative people. There are also lots of people with great skills in their field for whom the muse never comes. History forgets them.

[@Dianiqueful]

Fabulous woman, fabulous creative person!!! I am really grateful for Elisabet and for her genius for this outstanding speech!!! So inspiring, listening to these ideas was just breathtaking!!! Every artist needs to hear this for a better creative life and for life itself! Ole to you, nonetheless!!!!!

[@Evayoubinchung]

Her precious words touched my heart like she did in Eat Pray Love. She is a truly inspiring writer that give strength for many people. I adore her💕💕💕

[@samlevy2137]

This is one of the greatest TED Talk presentations I've ever come across.

[@minav2209]

As someone who's doing creative work, I'd like to say 'thank you' for this speech. I've always hear about 'Eat, Pray, Love' but never get around to reading it so I think that will change soon.

[@yvettedean92]

It’s a magical book!

[@eduuklee9453]

her "genius" is our subconscious. if you cant explain something it doesnt mean you dont understand it, often you feel like dejavu or like you can feel the answer .your subconscious mind know the answer you just cant put your knowledge in words, there is no "genius" coming from outside to you. we underestemate our brain. Its a misstake to belive you know everything about yourself and have full control about your inner world. If we are creative we learn something new abour ourself, maybe we even learn something nobody did know until now. creativity is about exploring our inside. not searching for some stupid genius, who basicly has nothing in common with ourselfs. why he should come to us anyways, theres no reason.

[@Filozofu]

eduu klee thank you for this comment. :"D

[@teashe]

she said that if you are responsible for your creativity then you are responsible for your un-creativity too and this would be horrible for your tiny human soul , your ego would be depressed.For solving that problem,you should think your creativity comes from your outside (like a spiritual kind of thing) not from your inside so you can be in sane

[@johnhunt8388]

Elizabeth says so much in that twenty minutes and it all makes sense. I like her ethos that we must stop putting pressure on ourselves because we won't always attain to the glory we aspire to. A very powerful speech and a lot of good sense to talk away from her words.

[@freddykruger8229]

I always enjoy reading the comments of TED Talk videos! People come off so intelligent and thoughtful and positive. If only you people existed in reality! 😔

[@drmatthewhorkey]

I still love this YEARS later.

[@joyyu7753]

this is inspiring, because im going to school for design soon and im afraid I wont be inspired to make great work, and I will leave it up to you, my little genius.

[@patrickmuyaya6328]

like it!

[@missycapestrain1835]

If you've chosen to go to school for design then you've got it....Let it flow!!! You will be just fine....When u r famous please let me know, :)!!

[@gbolahansanusi]

Thank you so much for your eloquence Elizabeth. Listening to this regularly through an especially challenging creative process helped me show up everyday. My creative genius will find me sat at a desk whenever it decides to come out to assist with the work at hand.Hopefully, its more like dobby and less like kreacher

[@efdatsebina9844]

I watched this video about a year ago, and the truth is, before I nearly cried, I stoop up in front of my computer and clapped. I really appreciated the message, you are extraordinary for sure

[@laurabongers865]

she is so well-spoken, I was in awe when I heard her talk with tim ferriss on his podcast, and i fell in love with her book "big magic"