I like to be buttoned onto tradition. The thing is to improve it, twist it and mold it; to make something new of it; not to deny it. The riches of history can be plucked at any point.

The quote “I like to be buttoned onto tradition. The thing is to improve it, twist it and mold it; to make something new of it; not to deny it. The riches of history can be plucked at any point.” comes from Philip Johnson, the American architect known for his influential role in shaping modern and postmodern architecture. In this statement, Johnson reflects on his relationship with tradition and history, emphasizing that innovation in design should not come from rejecting the past but from reinterpreting it in fresh and imaginative ways.

The meaning of the quote lies in Johnson’s vision of creativity as a dialogue with tradition. He acknowledges that every artistic or architectural achievement is built upon what came before, but insists that tradition should not confine us. Instead, it should be twisted, molded, and transformed into something new. By saying “the riches of history can be plucked at any point,” Johnson highlights that history is a vast reservoir of ideas and inspiration, always available for reinterpretation by contemporary minds.

The origin of this idea is rooted in Johnson’s architectural practice and philosophy. Early in his career, he championed modernist architecture, promoting figures like Mies van der Rohe, but later became one of the central figures in postmodernism, known for blending historical references with modern forms. His work, such as the AT&T Building in New York (now 550 Madison Avenue), is an example of how he reimagined classical elements within a contemporary framework, embodying the very principle he described in this quote.

Ultimately, Johnson’s words reflect a broader truth about the relationship between art, history, and innovation. Rather than seeing tradition as restrictive, he viewed it as fertile ground for experimentation. His approach reminds us that history is not static—it is alive, offering endless opportunities for reinterpretation and reinvention. By staying “buttoned onto tradition” while reshaping it, Johnson demonstrates how the past and present can merge to create enduring and meaningful works.