Quotes With Meaning
How could poetry and literature have arisen from something as plebian as the cuneiform equivalent of grocery-store bar codes? I prefer the version in which Prometheus brought writing to man from the gods. But then I remind myself that…we should not be too fastidious about where great ideas come from. Ultimately, they all come from a wrinkled organ that at its healthiest has the color and consistency of toothpaste, and in the end only withers and dies.
How could poetry and literature have arisen from something as plebian as the cuneiform equivalent of grocery-store bar codes? I prefer the version in which Prometheus brought writing to man from the gods. But then I remind myself that…we should not be too fastidious about where great ideas come from. Ultimately, they all come from a wrinkled organ that at its healthiest has the color and consistency of toothpaste, and in the end only withers and dies.
This quote explores the origins of writing, questioning how something as simple as cuneiform symbols, akin to modern bar codes, could lead to the profound art of poetry and literature. Flaherty contrasts this mundane beginning with the mythological narrative of Prometheus, who supposedly gifted writing to humanity. However, she emphasizes the importance of not underestimating the value of humble beginnings, as all great ideas stem from the human brain, which, despite its frailty, is the source of creativity and knowledge. This perspective invites us to appreciate the journey of thought and expression, recognizing that even the most extraordinary achievements can arise from the simplest of origins. The quote ultimately encourages a mindset that values growth and freedom in all forms of creativity.