Gustave Flaubert: 'Be regular and orderly in your life, so that you may be violent and original in your work.'

Be regular and orderly in your life, so that you may be violent and original in your work.

The quote by Gustave Flaubert, "Be regular and orderly in your life, so that you may be violent and original in your work," conveys a profound wisdom about the relationship between one's personal life and creative endeavors. It suggests that by establishing a sense of order and routine in our daily lives, we can create a strong foundation from which our artistic and innovative capabilities can flourish. This quote emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between discipline and spontaneity, structure and chaos, in order to achieve success and originality in our work.At first glance, this quote may seem like a simple piece of advice, urging individuals to maintain a well-organized lifestyle to enhance their creative output. And indeed, adhering to a regular routine can be instrumental in promoting focus, productivity, and overall efficiency. When we establish clear routines and habits, we minimize distractions and create an environment conducive to deep work. By organizing our time and resources, we can allocate more energy toward our creative pursuits, allowing our best ideas to rise to the surface.However, beyond this more practical interpretation lies a deeper philosophical concept that adds an unexpected layer of interest to Flaubert's quote. In exploring this concept, we delve into the dichotomy between order and chaos, and how they can coexist to foster unparalleled creativity.Order and disorder often seem to stand in opposition to one another, with order suggesting control and predictability, while disorder implies a lack of structure and an unpredictable nature. However, when we closely examine the creative process, we realize that it necessitates a delicate interplay between these seemingly contradictory forces. For true innovation to manifest, we need to approach our work with a willingness to explore uncharted territories, challenge conventions, and embrace the unknown.Those who follow a strictly regimented routine run the risk of falling into a pattern of comfortable repetition and stagnation. Conversely, those who completely embrace chaos without any semblance of order may find themselves lost in the midst of disjointed ideas and unproductive endeavors. Therefore, the key lies in striking a harmonious balance between these opposing forces – in being regular and orderly, but also allowing room for spontaneity, experimentation, and originality.This concept aligns quite well with a philosophical notion known as Taoism, an ancient Chinese philosophy centered around the idea of harmony and balance. Taoism teaches the importance of embracing both Yin and Yang, the complementary forces of the universe that together encompass all aspects of existence. Yin represents the passive, feminine, and receptive aspects, while Yang symbolizes the active, masculine, and assertive traits. According to Taoism, true wisdom arises from the harmonious interaction and balance of these forces.Applying the principles of Taoism to Flaubert's quote, we can view the regular and orderly aspects of our lives as the Yin, providing stability, structure, and discipline. This creates a solid foundation, enabling us to tap into the Yang – the violent and original energies required for extraordinary creative output. By blending these opposing energies, we can unleash our full creative potential, breaking free from the constraints of convention and exploring the limitless realms of imagination.In conclusion, Gustave Flaubert's quote urges us to establish regularity and order in our lives as a means to unlock our true creative potential. It emphasizes the importance of balance between structure and spontaneity, discipline and chaos, in order to achieve originality and innovation in our work. By incorporating the philosophical concept of Taoism, we gain a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between order and disorder, and how they can coexist harmoniously to catalyze extraordinary creative expression. So, let us strive to be both regular and orderly, and allow ourselves to embrace the violent and original in our work, thereby transcending the boundaries of creativity and leaving an indelible mark on the world.