“A first-rate soup is more creative than a second-rate painting.”
- April 1, 1908 – June 8, 1970
- American
- Psychologist, Creator of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Humanistic Psychology Pioneer
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Quote
“A first-rate soup is more creative than a second-rate painting.”
Explanation
In this quote, Abraham Maslow challenges traditional notions of creativity and artistic hierarchy, asserting that true creativity is not defined by the medium, but by the quality and authenticity of expression. A “first-rate soup”—crafted with skill, care, and originality—is, to Maslow, a more genuine act of creativity than a poorly executed painting that merely imitates form without substance. He underscores that creativity can emerge in any domain of life, not just in the fine arts, and that excellence and integrity matter more than prestige or category.
This view reflects Maslow’s broader psychological belief that self-actualization often involves spontaneous, humble, and deeply personal acts of creativity. He studied people who lived authentically and found that they expressed themselves in everyday activities with originality and purpose—in cooking, teaching, parenting, or problem-solving—not just through traditionally “artistic” endeavors. Maslow’s point is that creativity is a state of being, not a professional title, and that it flourishes wherever people approach their work with passion and intention.
In modern application, this quote affirms the value of craftsmanship, everyday artistry, and mindful living. It challenges the elitism that can undervalue nontraditional or domestic forms of creative expression. Whether it’s a chef designing a meal, a nurse inventing a better patient routine, or a teacher crafting a lesson, Maslow reminds us that genuine creativity is about quality, not category—and that greatness can be found in the seemingly ordinary when it is done with care and imagination.
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