Big Magic Quotes by Elizabeth Gilbert

Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic, A Creative Living Beyond Fear is a heartfelt guide for anyone longing to live more creatively.

Through inspiring and fearless quotes, Gilbert encourages readers to embrace curiosity, make peace with fear, and express their true selves unapologetically.

These quotes offer gentle yet powerful reminders that creativity belongs to everyone, not just the chosen few.

Table of Contents

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert | Quotes

“Do whatever brings you to life, then. Follow your own fascinations, obsessions, and compulsions. Trust them. Create whatever causes a revolution in your heart.”
This quote encourages you to pursue what excites your soul and trust your inner voice. True creativity begins where passion lives.

“The universe buries strange jewels deep within us all, and then stands back to see if we can find them.”
Gilbert suggests that everyone has hidden creative potential—our job is to discover and express it.

“Be the weirdo who dares to enjoy.”
Instead of worrying about fitting in, dare to enjoy life and creativity fully, even if it seems odd to others.

“You can measure your worth by your dedication to your path, not by your successes or failures.”
Success isn’t the goal—showing up and committing to your creative journey is what really matters.

“Let me list for you some of the many ways in which you might be afraid to live a more creative life…”
This quote lists common creative fears, showing that you’re not alone in feeling doubt, and that fear is part of the process—not a reason to quit.

“Recognizing that people’s reactions don’t belong to you is the only sane way to create…”
You can’t control how others react to your work, so let go of their judgments and stay true to your voice.

“A creative life is an amplified life. It’s a bigger life, a happier life, an expanded life…”
Living creatively adds depth and meaning to your life—it makes ordinary moments feel extraordinary.

“Done is better than good.”
Perfection can paralyze creativity; it’s better to finish something than obsess over making it flawless.

“It seems to me that the less I fight my fear, the less it fights back…”
Accepting fear gently instead of resisting it helps reduce its power and makes space for creativity.

“Anyhow, the older I get, the less impressed I become with originality. These days, I’m far more moved by authenticity…”
Being real and honest in your work is more powerful than trying to be completely original.

“So this, I believe, is the central question upon which all creative living hinges: Do you have the courage to bring forth the treasures that are hidden within you?”
Creativity requires courage—to believe in your inner ideas and let them come to life.

“You’re not required to save the world with your creativity…”
Don’t pressure your art to be world-changing. Let it exist simply because it brings you joy and expression.

“It’s a simple and generous rule of life that whatever you practice, you will improve at.”
Keep creating regularly—even a little each day—and you’ll naturally grow better at it.

“Perfectionism is a particularly evil lure for women…”
Gilbert points out how perfectionism holds many women back, and urges them to share their work even if it’s not flawless.

“But to yell at your creativity, saying, ‘You must earn money for me!’ is sort of like yelling at a cat…”
Don’t pressure your creativity to make money. That kind of stress scares it away instead of helping it thrive.

“What do you love doing so much that the words failure and success essentially become irrelevant?”
If you love something deeply, you won’t care whether it brings success—you’ll do it just for the joy of doing it.

“We all spend our twenties and thirties trying so hard to be perfect… nobody was ever thinking about you, anyhow.”
People worry too much about others’ opinions, but in reality, most people are focused on themselves.

“Argue for your limitations and you get to keep them.”
If you keep making excuses for why you can’t do something, you’ll stay stuck in those limits.

“Perfectionism is just fear in fancy shoes and a mink coat.”
Perfectionism might look noble, but it’s really just fear pretending to be something good.

“Creativity is sacred, and it is not sacred…”
Art is full of paradoxes—it’s important and unimportant, serious and playful. Accepting this helps you create freely.

“Living a life that is driven more strongly by curiosity than by fear.”
Follow what makes you curious rather than what scares you—curiosity leads to creative freedom.

“What’s your favorite flavor of shit sandwich?”
Every dream has its tough parts. The key is choosing the kind of struggle you’re willing to face for what you love.

“It might have been done before, but it hasn’t been done by you!”
Even if an idea isn’t new, your unique voice and approach will make it different and valuable.

“Own your disappointment, acknowledge it for what it is, and move on.”
Don’t deny or dwell on disappointment—accept it and keep going.

“If I am not actively creating something, then I am probably actively destroying something.”
When you’re not creating, your energy can turn destructive—so it’s better to stay creatively engaged.

“If you’re alive, you’re a creative person.”
Creativity isn’t just for artists. Every living person has the power to create in their own way.

“Ideas are driven by a single impulse: to be made manifest.”
Ideas want to be born into reality, and they seek people willing to bring them to life.

“I believe that our planet is inhabited… by ideas…”
Gilbert imagines ideas as living things looking for human partners to help them come alive through creativity.

“Creative entitlement simply means believing that you are allowed to be here… you are allowed to have a voice and a vision of your own.”
You don’t need anyone’s permission to be creative—you already have the right to share your voice.

“Basically, your fear is like a mall cop who thinks he’s a Navy SEAL…”
Fear often overreacts and tries to protect you from imagined dangers—learn to laugh at it and keep going.

“Ideas are driven by a single impulse: to be made manifest.”
Ideas are always searching for someone to bring them to life through action and creativity.

“I believe that our planet is inhabited not only by animals and plants and bacteria and viruses, but also by ideas…”
Gilbert imagines that ideas are living, energetic forces that seek human collaboration to become real.

“Creative entitlement simply means believing that you are allowed to be here, and that—merely by being here—you are allowed to have a voice and a vision of your own.”
You have every right to express yourself creatively, simply because you exist.

“Basically, your fear is like a mall cop who thinks he’s a Navy SEAL…”
Fear often exaggerates danger. It’s overprotective and not always helpful—learn to smile and move past it.

“Dearest Fear: Creativity and I are about to go on a road trip together…”
This quote humorously shows how fear always accompanies creativity, but we must not let it drive; we just acknowledge it and keep moving forward.

“Give your mind a job to do, or else it will find a job to do, and you might not like the job it invents.”
An idle mind can turn destructive or anxious—channeling it into creative work helps maintain inner balance.

“You can clear out whatever obstacles are preventing you from living your most creative life…”
Creativity thrives when we remove negativity and harmful influences from our lives, which affect both our well-being and our art.

“Possessing a creative mind… is something like having a border collie for a pet…”
A creative mind needs purpose. If not engaged positively, it can lead to chaos or self-destruction.

“Create whatever causes a revolution in your heart. The rest of it will take care of itself.”
Follow your passion. If something stirs your soul, that’s reason enough to create it.

“I think perfectionism is just fear in fancy shoes and a mink coat…”
Perfectionism disguises fear. It makes us feel inadequate and often stops us from starting or finishing creative work.

“So whenever that brittle voice of dissatisfaction emerges within me…”
Gilbert teaches that ego, not soul, reacts to criticism and comparison. True peace lies in seeking wonder and staying true to your creative self.

“A good-enough novel violently written now is better than a perfect novel meticulously written never.”
Action beats endless preparation. Done is better than perfect when it comes to creativity.

“You don’t need to conduct autopsies on your disasters.”
Don’t dwell on your failures. Learn, move on, and keep creating.

“It starts by forgetting about perfect…”
Perfection is an illusion that hinders creativity. Embrace imperfections to truly enjoy and complete your work.

“We are all just beginners here, and we shall all die beginners.”
We never stop learning. Accepting this makes us more open, curious, and fearless in our creative lives.

“You can resist the seductions of grandiosity, blame, and shame…”
Creativity is a partnership, not a race. Avoid ego traps and focus on the journey, not just the reward.

“But never delude yourself into believing that you require someone else’s blessing…”
You don’t need validation to create. Your creative work is yours to own, regardless of others’ opinions.

“You must learn how to become a deeply disciplined half-ass.”
Be consistent rather than perfect. Discipline in creative work matters more than flawlessness.

“My soul… is a far more expansive and fascinating source of guidance than my ego…”
Our soul desires wonder, and creativity helps us access it. Following the soul leads to meaningful creation.

“I think a lot of people quit pursuing creative lives because they’re scared of the word interesting…”
The difficult, uncomfortable stages in creativity often lead to breakthroughs—don’t quit too early.

“The guardians of high culture… are wrong and also annoying.”
Art is for everyone, not just a selected few. Creativity is not exclusive.

“The universe buries strange jewels deep within us all…”
Each person holds unique creative treasures. Life becomes meaningful when we go searching for them.

“It ain’t what they call you; it’s what you answer to.”
Your self-worth is defined by how you view yourself, not by others’ labels or judgments.

“If you can’t see what I’m already getting out of this, then I’ll never be able to explain it to you.”
The joy of creating is often invisible to outsiders, but deeply fulfilling to the artist themselves.

“I have never created anything in my life that did not make me feel… like I was the guy in a homemade lobster costume.”
Creativity often makes us feel exposed or awkward—embrace it anyway, because it’s part of the process.

“Failure has a function. It asks you whether you really want to go on making things.”
Failure tests your commitment. If you still want to create after failing, then you’re on the right path.

“If you’re going to live your life based on delusions… select a delusion that is helpful.”
Since we all believe in illusions anyway, choose one that empowers your creativity and growth.

“Whatever you do, try not to dwell too long on your failures…”
Overanalyzing your past mistakes stunts growth—acknowledge, learn, and keep moving.

“The essential ingredients for creativity remain exactly the same for everybody…”
Creativity isn’t about talent alone—it’s about showing up with courage, trust, and persistence.

“Fear is always triggered by creativity…”
Creating something new means stepping into uncertainty. Fear is natural, but it shouldn’t stop you.

“Your life is short and rare and amazing and miraculous…”
We’re here briefly—make things that matter to you while you still can.

“Because the truth is, I believe that creativity is a force of enchantment…”
Creativity is mysterious and magical, as if it flows from something greater than ourselves.

“Ideas are alive… they do seek the most available human collaborator…”
Gilbert imagines ideas as living entities looking for someone ready to bring them to life.

“Let people have their opinions… people’s judgments about you are none of your business.”
Other people’s thoughts should not influence your creative journey—just keep doing your work.

“Let people have their opinions. More than that–let people love their opinions, just as you and I are in love with ours. But never delude yourself into believing that you require someone else’s blessing (or even their comprehension) in order to make your own creative work. And always remember that people’s judgments about you are none of your business.”
You don’t need approval to create. Let others have their say, but never let it control your artistic path.

“Ideas are alive, that ideas do seek the most available human collaborator, that ideas do have a conscious will, that ideas do move from soul to soul, that ideas will always try to seek the swiftest and most efficient conduit to the earth (just as lightning does).”
Creativity is a living force. It flows to those who are open and willing to act on it.

“Because the truth is, I believe that creativity is a force of enchantment—not entirely human in its origins.”
Gilbert views creativity as a magical energy, something bigger than logic, possibly divine or spiritual.

“Your life is short and rare and amazing and miraculous, and you want to do really interesting things and make really interesting things while you’re still here.”
Life is brief and special—use your time to create things that excite and fulfill you.

“Fear is always triggered by creativity, because creativity asks you to enter into realms of uncertain outcome. This is nothing to be ashamed of. It is, however, something to be dealt with.”
Fear shows up when you try something new, but it’s a natural part of the creative process—not a reason to stop.

“The essential ingredients for creativity remain exactly the same for everybody: courage, enchantment, permission, persistence, trust—and those elements are universally accessible. Which does not mean that creative living is always easy; it merely means that creative living is always possible.”
Anyone can be creative with the right mindset. It’s not easy, but it’s always within reach.

“Whatever you do, try not to dwell too long on your failures. You don’t need to conduct autopsies on your disasters.”
Don’t obsess over past mistakes. Creativity needs forward movement, not overanalysis.

“If you’re going to live your life based on delusions (and you are, because we all do), then why not at least select a delusion that is helpful?”
We all believe in made-up ideas—so choose beliefs that inspire and motivate you.

“Failure has a function. It asks you whether you really want to go on making things.”
Failure tests your passion. If you keep creating despite it, then you’re truly committed.

“I have never created anything in my life that did not make me feel, at some point or another, like I was the guy who just walked into a fancy ball wearing a homemade lobster costume.”
Feeling awkward or vulnerable is part of the creative journey—embrace the weirdness.

“I have a friend, an aspiring musician, whose sister said to her one day, quite reasonably, ‘What happens if you never get anything out of this?’… My friend replied, ‘If you can’t see what I’m already getting out of this, then I’ll never be able to explain it to you.’”
True creatives don’t create for success—they create because the process itself brings them joy.

“It ain’t what they call you; it’s what you answer to.”
Ignore the labels people try to stick on you. What matters is how you define yourself.

“The universe buries strange jewels deep within us all, and then stands back to see if we can find them. The hunt to discover those jewels––that’s creative living.”
Your talents are hidden treasures. The act of creating is the quest to uncover them.

“The guardians of high culture will try to convince you that the arts belong only to a chosen few, but they are wrong and they are also annoying.”
Art is not just for elites. Everyone has the right to create, express, and explore.

“I think a lot of people quit pursuing creative lives because they’re scared of the word interesting…”
People often give up when things get difficult—but that’s when the transformation begins.

“My soul, when I tend to it, is a far more expansive and fascinating source of guidance than my ego will ever be, because my soul desires only one thing: wonder.”
The ego seeks praise, but the soul seeks wonder—and creativity is the gateway to that wonder.

“You must learn how to become a deeply disciplined half-ass.”
Don’t wait for perfection. Do the work regularly and passionately, even if it’s messy.

“But never delude yourself into believing that you require someone else’s blessing (or even their comprehension) in order to make your own creative work.”
You don’t need permission to be creative. Your art doesn’t require outside validation.

“Pure creativity is magnificent expressly because it is the opposite of everything else in life that’s essential or inescapable… Pure creativity is something better than a necessity; it’s a gift. It’s the frosting.”
Creativity isn’t about survival—it’s about joy. It’s a magical bonus, a treat life offers beyond basic needs.

“I even have a welcoming speech prepared for fear… You’re allowed to have a seat, and you’re allowed to have a voice, but you are not allowed to have a vote.”
Fear is always present in creativity, but we must never let it take control of the process or make decisions.

“Create whatever causes a revolution in your heart.”
Make art that deeply moves you. If it stirs your soul, it’s worth creating.

“Inspiration is trying to send me messages in every form it can… through déjà vu… through stubborn ideas that keep me awake all night long…”
Inspiration constantly tries to communicate with us—we just need to stay open and listen to the signs.

“Just say what you want to say… and say it with all your heart.”
Authentic expression is the soul of creativity. Speak your truth with passion and sincerity.

“I think it’s a mighty act of human love to remind somebody that they can accomplish things by themselves…”
Empowering someone to believe in their own strength and creativity is a powerful and loving act.

“If you’re alive, you’re a creative person… We are all the chosen few. We are all makers by design.”
Creativity is part of our DNA. No one is excluded—we all carry creative potential.

“Anyhow, what else are you going to do with your time here on earth—not make things?”
Life is too precious to waste—follow your curiosity and create something meaningful.

“I have never created anything in my life that did not make me feel… like I was the guy in a homemade lobster costume…”
Creativity often feels vulnerable or awkward, but showing up and trying anyway is what truly matters.

“I’ve never seen any life transformation that didn’t begin with the person in question finally getting tired of their own bullshit.”
Real change begins when you stop making excuses and start facing the truth.

“The clock is ticking, and the world is spinning, and we simply do not have time anymore to think so small.”
Life is short—dream big, act boldly, and don’t waste time on self-doubt or hesitation.

“You are worthy, dear one, regardless of the outcome… You were born to create, regardless of the outcome.”
Your value doesn’t depend on success or failure. Creativity is your right and your nature.

“Creativity is a path for the brave, yes, but it is not a path for the fearless… If your goal is to become fearless, you’re already on the wrong path.”
Courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to move forward in spite of it.

“Do you have the courage? Do you have the courage to bring forth this work?”
This quote challenges you to say yes to your creative calling, no matter the risks or doubts.

“Do you have the courage to bring forth the treasures that are hidden within you?”
Hidden within you are unique gifts—creativity asks only for your bravery to uncover and share them.

“What you produce is not necessarily always sacred… What is sacred is the time that you spend working on the project.”
The outcome isn’t always magical, but the creative process itself is deeply sacred and transformative.

“The Romans… believed that an exceptionally gifted person had a genius… not was a genius.”
Viewing creativity as a partnership with an external force keeps ego in check and frees the artist from shame or pride.

“Without that source of wonder, I know that I am doomed… I will forever wander… a howling ghost…”
Without creative wonder, life becomes dull and empty; creativity feeds the spirit.

“We must understand the need for perfectionism is a corrosive waste of time…”
Perfection is unreachable—everything is subject to critique, so embrace imperfection and just create.

“We all spend our twenties and thirties trying so hard to be perfect… But you won’t be completely free until you realize… nobody was ever thinking about you, anyhow.”
Most people are too caught up in their own lives to judge you—so create freely and live authentically.

“Genetic randomness had already determined how much talent I’d been allotted… The only piece I had any control over was my discipline.”
Talent and luck are out of our hands, but we can always choose to show up and work hard.

“An abiding stereotype of creativity is that it turns people crazy. I disagree: Not expressing creativity turns people crazy.”
Suppressing your creative instincts is more damaging than expressing them—creation is healing.

“If you can’t do what you long to do, go do something else… It’s motion. And any motion whatsoever beats inertia…”
Action—even small, unrelated steps—breaks creative blocks and invites inspiration.

“When I refer to ‘creative living,’ I am… talking about living a life that is driven more strongly by curiosity than by fear.”
A creative life is one where curiosity leads the way—not fear or limitations.

“What would you do even if you knew that you might very well fail?”
The most honest question is not about success—but about what you love so much you’d do it anyway.

“At some point, you really just have to finish your work and release it as is…”
Don’t get stuck chasing perfection—complete your work and move forward with joy.

“The universe buries strange jewels deep within us all… That’s what separates a mundane existence from a more enchanted one.”
The search for your hidden creative treasures turns life from ordinary into extraordinary.

“Go be whomever you want to be, then. Do whatever you want to do…”
You are free—pursue what brings you alive, without fear or apology.

“I firmly believe that we all need to find something to do in our lives that stops us from eating the couch.”
Creative energy needs an outlet—otherwise it turns inward and becomes destructive or stagnant.

“Perhaps creativity’s greatest mercy is this: By completely absorbing our attention… it can relieve us temporarily from the dreadful burden of being who we are.”
Creativity gives us a break from self-doubt and overthinking—it’s a beautiful escape that leaves a lasting mark.

“The universe buries strange jewels deep within us all, and then stands back to see if we can find them. The hunt to uncover those jewels—that’s creative living. The courage to go on that hunt in the first place—that’s what separates a mundane existence from a more enchanted one.”
Creativity is the journey to discover the hidden treasures inside us. Having the courage to seek them makes life magical.

“Go be whomever you want to be, then. Do whatever you want to do. Pursue whatever fascinates you and brings you to life.”
You don’t need permission. Live fully and follow what excites and inspires you most.

“I firmly believe that we all need to find something to do in our lives that stops us from eating the couch.”
Creativity is not just an activity—it’s a healthy outlet that prevents self-destruction or stagnation.

“Perhaps creativity’s greatest mercy is this: By completely absorbing our attention for a short and magical spell, it can relieve us temporarily from the dreadful burden of being who we are.”
Creating lets us escape ourselves for a while. It’s a form of relief and renewal that leaves something beautiful behind.

“You want to write a book? Make a song? Direct a movie? […] Do it. Who cares? It’s your birthright as a human being, so do it with a cheerful heart.”
Creativity is your natural right—so explore it freely, without waiting for permission or perfection.

“I happen to believe we are all walking repositories of buried treasure.”
Every person carries hidden creative potential waiting to be discovered and expressed.

“I especially love watching Marcus Aurelius fighting his perfectionism […] Just keep working.”
Even great minds struggled with perfectionism—what matters is showing up and making progress.

“You can recognize the people who live for others by the haunted look on the faces of the others.”
Living solely for others can drain both you and them; authenticity and balance are key.

“Are you considering becoming a creative person? Too late, you already are one.”
Creativity is part of being human—it’s not reserved for a chosen few, it’s in all of us.

“Passion can seem intimidatingly out of reach […] But curiosity is more democratic.”
If passion feels distant, follow curiosity—it’s quieter but can lead you to inspiration step-by-step.

“Speak to your darkest and most negative interior voices the way a hostage negotiator speaks to a violent psychopath: calmly, but firmly.”
You must confront your inner critic with strength and self-control, because your life depends on it.

“Gratitude, always. Always, gratitude.”
Staying grateful is foundational to a creative, joyful, and meaningful life.

“I think perfectionism is just a high-end, haute couture version of fear.”
Perfectionism disguises itself as virtue, but it’s really fear in fancy clothes holding you back.

“There’s plenty of room in this vehicle for all of us […] but still—your suggestions will never be followed.”
Fear may come along for the ride, but it doesn’t get to steer your creative journey.

“Art is absolutely meaningless. It is, however, also deeply meaningful.”
Art holds paradox: it doesn’t need justification, yet it can deeply move and transform us.

“Whatever it is you are pursuing […] be careful not to quit too soon.”
Persistence is essential—don’t abandon your creative journey just because it gets hard.

“What keeps you from creative living is your self-absorption.”
Overthinking yourself—your doubts, judgments, and fears—kills creativity more than any external barrier.

“I’ve had to keep defining and defending myself as a writer every single day of my adult life.”
Creative living requires continuous dedication and belief in yourself, despite inner and outer resistance.

“Frustration is not an interruption of your process; frustration is the process.”
Feeling stuck or annoyed is part of creating—don’t quit when it happens, embrace it.

“What is sacred is the time that you spend working on the project […] that expanded imagination does to transform your life.”
The sacred part of art is the journey, the growth, the transformation—not necessarily the outcome.

“I don’t want to be afraid of […] risky decisions, or strange experiences.”
A creative life demands openness to the new, the colorful, and the unexpected—even if it’s scary.

“I have watched so many other people murder their creativity by demanding that their art pay the bills.”
Don’t burden your creativity with financial pressure—it can crush the joy and flow of the work.

“Your creative work is not your baby; if anything, you are its baby.”
Rather than controlling your art, allow it to grow and shape you in return.

“You aren’t receptive to inspiration because you’re consumed by your own dramas.”
Inner chaos blocks creative energy. Make space for calm and inspiration to flow.

“Living a life that is driven more strongly by curiosity than by fear.”
Let your curiosity guide your choices—not fear. That’s the foundation of creative living.

“He seemed to live in a state of uninterrupted marvel.”
Living creatively means staying in awe of the world—it keeps you inspired and open.

“I can only be in charge of producing the work itself […] I refuse to take on additional jobs.”
Your job is to create, not to worry about how others receive it—release control after the work is done.

“It does seem to be the case that if I am not actively creating something, then I am probably actively destroying something.”
Creativity keeps you focused and whole—without it, your energy may turn self-destructive.

“Martyr says: ‘Life is pain.’ Trickster says: ‘Life is interesting.’”
Choose the playful, curious mindset of the trickster—not the suffering of the martyr.

“What if people absolutely hate what you’ve created? […] Just smile sweetly and suggest […] they go make their own fucking art.”
Let criticism roll off. Don’t let fear of judgment stop you from sharing your voice.

“I would set the kitchen timer for thirty minutes and make myself sit there and scribble something, anything.”
Daily discipline builds creativity—show up consistently, even when uninspired.

“Possessing a creative mind is like having a border collie […] Give your mind a job to do.”
A restless mind needs purpose—channel your energy into making things or risk chaos.

“Your art not only doesn’t have to be original […] it also doesn’t have to be important.”
Art can simply be joyful or expressive—it doesn’t need to change the world.

“Do what you love to do, and do it with both seriousness and lightness.”
Approach your craft with focus, but also with freedom and fun—regardless of results.

Themes Of Big Magic

Themes	Explanation
Creative Courage	The book encourages facing fear with bravery and daring to create despite doubts.
Permission to Create	Gilbert reminds us that we don’t need anyone’s approval to make art or pursue passion.
Overcoming Fear	Fear is natural but shouldn’t control our creative choices; we can work with it, not against it.
Authenticity over Perfection	It’s better to be real than perfect. Honest, heartfelt work matters more than flawless output.