Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring twopence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it.
C. S. Lewis’s quote, “Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring twopence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it,” speaks to the nature of true creativity. Lewis is warning against the obsession with being original for its own sake. He argues that the pursuit of truth, rather than novelty, is what actually leads to genuine originality in literature and art.
As a renowned author, scholar, and theologian, best known for The Chronicles of Narnia and his Christian apologetic works, Lewis often explored the relationship between truth, imagination, and expression. This quote reflects his belief that meaningful artistic work comes from an honest engagement with the human experience, rather than a self-conscious attempt to create something that has never been done before. When creators focus on authentic expression, they naturally produce work that is fresh and unique, even if the themes or ideas have been explored before.
The phrase “tell the truth” is central to Lewis’s point. He doesn’t mean literal truth alone, but also emotional, philosophical, and spiritual truth—the kind that resonates deeply with people. By focusing on what is real and authentic, artists often stumble into originality because no one else has lived their exact experiences or sees the world through their exact lens. Truth, not forced cleverness, becomes the seed of innovation.
Ultimately, Lewis’s quote is both liberating and inspiring. It assures writers and artists that they don’t need to constantly chase innovation; rather, they should strive for sincerity. In doing so, they will likely create something that feels both honest and new, not by intention, but as a natural result of authentic storytelling.
THThu Hang
There’s something beautifully paradoxical here: that the most original works might come from people who aren’t trying to be original at all. It makes me question the way we teach creativity. Should we stop encouraging students to 'be unique' and instead teach them to be brutally honest? That could change the whole way we think about artistic growth. I’d love to hear if anyone’s tried this approach in their work.
KNTran Kim Ngan
Lewis seems to be saying that striving for originality is a trap. But isn’t some level of self-awareness necessary in the creative process? Can you truly ignore how your work fits within the larger landscape of literature or art? Maybe the key is not to obsess, but still be mindful. I wonder how this applies to genres like science fiction or experimental art, where newness often feels like a core expectation.
DLNguyen Dieu Linh
Honestly, this made me breathe a little easier as a writer. The idea that truthfulness can naturally lead to originality without the stress of chasing it is comforting. But I wonder, in a world flooded with content, can truth alone still stand out? Or does the market demand that we package our honesty in ever more 'innovative' ways just to get noticed? I’d love to hear how others balance those two forces.
MTMy Tam
This quote makes me think about the creative process—how often do we get in our own way by trying too hard to be unique? It's interesting that Lewis suggests originality is more of a byproduct than a goal. I'm curious, though—how do we draw the line between ‘truth’ and repetition? Is there a risk that this approach could lead to work that feels too familiar or derivative, even if it’s honest?
BDHuynh Nguyen Bao Duyen
I find this perspective really refreshing. There's so much pressure today to be 'original' that it sometimes paralyzes creativity. Lewis seems to argue that sincerity and truthfulness are more valuable than forced innovation. Do you think our obsession with novelty in modern art and writing has led to a decline in authenticity? Maybe artists should focus more on expressing genuine human experiences instead of chasing something that's never been done before.