“Success is dangerous. One begins to copy oneself, and to copy oneself is more dangerous than to copy others. It leads to sterility.”
- October 25, 1881 – April 8, 1973
- Born in Spain
- Painter, sculptor, printmaker
- Founder of Cubism, he had a revolutionary influence on 20th century art, leaving behind masterpieces such as “Guernica”
table of contents
Quote
“Success is dangerous. One begins to copy oneself, and to copy oneself is more dangerous than to copy others. It leads to sterility.”
Explanation
In this quote, Picasso warns about the dangers of repetition and complacency in creative work, particularly in the face of success. He argues that as an artist or creator becomes more successful, there is a tendency to rely on what has worked in the past—to copy oneself. This, he believes, stifles true innovation and leads to sterility, a lack of fresh ideas or growth. Picasso himself was notorious for constantly evolving his style throughout his career, moving from Blue Period to Rose Period, and from Cubism to more abstract and surrealist works. For Picasso, the danger of success wasn’t just about fame or wealth, but the temptation to settle into a comfortable formula that could lead to artistic stagnation.
In the context of modern creativity, this quote serves as a warning for anyone in a position of success, whether in art, business, or any other field. The pressure to repeat successful formulas can lead to a lack of true innovation, and in today’s fast-paced world, where originality and fresh perspectives are highly valued, becoming too comfortable with one’s past achievements can have detrimental effects. Modern creators often face the tension between sticking with what works and the desire to explore new ideas. Whether in fashion, music, or technology, those who rest on their laurels often find that they are left behind as new trends emerge.
A contemporary example of this can be seen in the world of film franchises, where directors or studios often rely on formulaic sequels or reboots of previous successes. While these may achieve initial commercial success, they can often lead to creative stagnation, as audiences grow weary of predictable content. In contrast, directors like Christopher Nolan or Greta Gerwig continually reinvent their work, avoiding the trap of copying their previous films, and offering something new with each project. Picasso’s words remind us that true creativity requires an ongoing commitment to growth and reinvention, rather than falling into the trap of self-replication.
