I do not 'get' ideas; ideas get me.

The quote "I do not 'get' ideas; ideas get me" by Robertson Davies expresses the idea that creative inspiration is not something that is controlled or easily understood by the individual, but rather, it overtakes or captures the mind. The use of the phrase "ideas get me" suggests that the process of creativity is a force that works on the person, rather than something the person initiates at will. Davies is acknowledging the power and mystery behind the creative process, where ideas seem to come from an external source, often surprising or overwhelming the thinker.

Davies, a Canadian author known for his profound works that blend literature with psychology, mythology, and philosophy, often explored the unconscious mind and the unpredictability of human nature. In this quote, he highlights the sense of surrender that can accompany inspiration, where the individual becomes a vessel for ideas that seem to emerge from beyond their control. This perspective challenges the conventional notion that the thinker is the one who actively generates ideas through logic and reason.

The statement also suggests that ideas have a life of their own and are independent of the thinker’s conscious effort. It reveals a humble recognition of the mysterious origins of creativity and artistic production. By positioning himself as someone who does not "get" ideas, but rather is taken by them, Davies implies that ideas, in their most authentic form, are unpredictable and uncontainable by human effort alone.

Ultimately, this quote speaks to the relationship between the creator and the creative force. Rather than seeing the creator as the sole originator of inspiration, Davies emphasizes the dynamic and often uncontrollable nature of artistic insight. It’s a reminder that ideas, in their most transformative state, often find the creator, not the other way around.