Gustave Flaubert: 'Everything one invents is true, you may be perfectly sure of that. Poetry is as precise as geometry.'

Everything one invents is true, you may be perfectly sure of that. Poetry is as precise as geometry.

In the realm of creativity, Gustave Flaubert astutely proclaimed, "Everything one invents is true, you may be perfectly sure of that. Poetry is as precise as geometry." At first glance, this quote seems paradoxical, blurring the lines between imagination and reality. But beneath its layers lies a profound truth about the power of human creativity. Flaubert suggests that our inventions, be it in the form of art, literature, or any creative endeavor, possess an inherent truthfulness. These creations, born from the depths of our imaginations, hold a unique precision akin to that found in the strict discipline of mathematics.At its core, this quote challenges the conventional notions of truth and reality. It urges us to perceive the world through the lens of creativity, where the invented is as valid and true as the observable. Flaubert's words inspire us to embrace the infinite possibilities that lie within our own minds. By recognizing the intrinsic truth in our inventions, we can transcend the boundaries of what is traditionally considered real, opening a world of imagination and limitless potential.To delve deeper into this concept, we can introduce the philosophical concept of subjective reality. Subjective reality posits that individuals possess their own distinct interpretation of reality, shaped by their experiences, perceptions, and beliefs. In this context, Flaubert's quote gains an added layer of significance. Our inventions, which may seem fabricated or fictional at first glance, become a reflection of our subjective realities.Flaubert's comparison of poetry to geometry adds another intriguing dimension to his statement. To equate the fluidity of poetry with the precision of geometry provides a striking contrast. While poetry represents the freedom of expression and the boundless realm of the imagination, geometry embodies logical and systematic reasoning. By asserting that poetry shares the precision of geometry, Flaubert suggests that creative inventions possess their own internal coherence and structured truth.The comparison between poetry and geometry reveals the innate interconnectedness of the creative and the rational. Both poetry and geometry rely on meticulous attention to detail and adherence to rules. While the poet weaves words with care and grace, the geometer skillfully unfolds geometric truths using logical steps. Thus, Flaubert's analogy serves as a reminder that creativity and rationality are not mutually exclusive but can coexist harmoniously, enriching each other.Flaubert's quote challenges us to explore the limits of our own imagination and creativity. It invites us to question the boundaries we place on what is considered true or real. By recognizing the inherent truthfulness in our inventions, we unlock new avenues of self-expression and expand our understanding of the world. In our creations, whether it be a poem, a painting, or a musical composition, we have the power to shape our reality, to redefine truth according to our own subjective experiences.In this mystical realm of inventiveness and subjectivity, the lines between fact and fiction blur, creating a space where the impossible becomes possible. Flaubert's belief in the truth of our inventions encourages us to embrace the creative aspect of our beings and to trust our imaginative instincts. It reminds us that we are the architects of our own realities, bound only by the limits of our boldness and the depth of our individual perspectives.In conclusion, Gustave Flaubert's profound statement, "Everything one invents is true, you may be perfectly sure of that. Poetry is as precise as geometry," challenges us to expand our understanding of truth, reality, and creativity. It prompts us to recognize the inherent truthfulness in our creative inventions, blurring the lines between what is considered real and imagined. By equating poetry with the precision of geometry, Flaubert highlights the harmony between creativity and rationality. Ultimately, his words inspire us to embrace the power of our imaginations, encouraging us to shape our own realities and challenge the conventional understanding of truth.