"Immature artists imitate. Mature artists steal"

This quote by Lionel Trilling speaks with the creative process of artists. It suggests that immature artists are limited in their imagination, as they are only able to mimic the work of others. They lack the ability to produce something genuinely unique and initial. On the other hand, fully grown artists are able to take motivation from the work of others and use it to create something new and ingenious. They are able to "take" ideas and utilize them to create something that is their own. This quote encourages artists to be imaginative and to take threats in order to develop something really unique. It likewise works as a tip that creativity is not about copying the work of others, but rather about taking inspiration and utilizing it to create something brand-new.