“To copy others is necessary, but to copy oneself is pathetic.”
- 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”
Quote
“To copy others is necessary, but to copy oneself is pathetic.”
Explanation
In this quote, Picasso reflects on the importance of innovation and the dangers of stagnation in the creative process. He acknowledges that inspiration and influence from other artists or creators are natural and necessary parts of growth. Copying others can be a way to learn and develop new skills, as artists often study their predecessors to understand technique, style, or theory. However, Picasso condemns the idea of self-replication, where an artist becomes trapped in their own past formulas and fails to evolve. For him, true artistic progress comes from reinventing oneself, constantly pushing beyond familiar boundaries and refusing to rely on previously successful methods. Picasso’s own artistic journey, filled with experimentation and constant stylistic shifts, demonstrates his commitment to innovation rather than repeating past successes.
This idea is still highly relevant in the modern world, particularly in creative industries such as music, design, and technology, where reinvention is often seen as the key to staying relevant. Many creators today may begin by imitating others to learn the ropes, but the real challenge lies in finding one’s own voice and breaking new ground. Copying oneself, as Picasso suggests, can lead to creative fatigue and predictability, making it difficult to sustain long-term success.
An example of this can be seen in musicians like David Bowie, who reinvented his image and sound with each album, refusing to remain static in his career. Similarly, tech innovators like Elon Musk and Steve Jobs consistently sought out new challenges and broke away from their past successes to create groundbreaking products and ideas. Picasso’s quote serves as a reminder that to thrive creatively, one must resist the temptation to simply repeat what has worked before, and instead embrace the need for continuous growth and originality.
