Gertrude Stein: 'It takes a lot of time to be a genius, you have to sit around so much doing nothing, really doing nothing.'

It takes a lot of time to be a genius, you have to sit around so much doing nothing, really doing nothing.

Gertrude Stein, an American writer known for her unique literary style, once famously remarked, "It takes a lot of time to be a genius, you have to sit around so much doing nothing, really doing nothing." At first glance, this quote may seem perplexing or even contradictory. However, upon deeper reflection, one can unravel the profound meaning and importance it carries.On a straightforward level, Stein suggests that becoming a genius requires a significant investment of time, and this investment involves seemingly unproductive periods of doing nothing. In our fast-paced, productivity-oriented world, where every moment seems to be accounted for, Stein's words are a gentle reminder of the value of idle moments. She challenges us to question our obsession with busyness and highlights the paradoxical nature of creativity. It is in these moments of apparent idleness, a state of allowing our thoughts to wander aimlessly, that true genius often emerges.Delving further, let us introduce the philosophical concept of "wu wei," a central idea in Taoism. Wu wei, which translates to "non-doing" or "effortless action," sheds new light on Stein's quote. Wu wei emphasizes the essentiality of aligning ourselves with the natural flow of life rather than constantly striving and exerting excessive effort. In a similar vein, Stein's notion of sitting around doing nothing aligns with the idea of allowing the creative process to unfold organically.By comparing these two concepts, we can see some similarities and differences. Both Stein and Taoist philosophy acknowledge the importance of stillness and seemingly unproductive moments for the cultivation of genius. However, while Stein's quote suggests periods of idleness as a necessity for creative thought, wu wei encourages us to adopt a state of non-attachment and freely flow with the creative current of life.Stein's perspective emphasizes the act of "sitting around" and "doing nothing" as a deliberate non-action, implying a focused effort to allow the mind to roam freely. On the other hand, wu wei suggests an effortless state of being, wherein the mind is not actively seeking but rather receptive to the subtle inspirations and guidance that emerge naturally.Despite these differences, the underlying message remains the same: the significance of quiet contemplation and inaction. By accepting and embracing these periods, we open ourselves up to new ideas, fresh perspectives, and an enhanced ability to access our innate creative potential.In conclusion, Gertrude Stein's quote, "It takes a lot of time to be a genius, you have to sit around so much doing nothing, really doing nothing," encapsulates the paradoxical nature of creativity and the importance of stillness in the creative process. By introducing the concept of wu wei, we further explore the notion of effortless action and non-doing as a means to tap into our creative genius. Together, these ideas serve as a reminder to slow down, embrace moments of idleness, and allow creativity to flourish in its own time and rhythm.