T. S. Eliot: 'The last thing one discovers in composing a work is what to put first.'

The last thing one discovers in composing a work is what to put first.

In this insightful quote by T.S. Eliot, he brings our attention to a paradoxical aspect of the creative process. According to Eliot, the act of composing a work of art, be it a poem, a story, or even a painting, often entails a certain degree of uncertainty regarding the placement and arrangement of its various elements. It is as if there is a hidden puzzle that needs solving, a puzzle that only reveals its solution at the conclusive stages of creation. This quote highlights the intricate nature of artistic expression and invites us to explore the significance of this discovery process in more depth.At first glance, Eliot's words may appear perplexing. How can the last thing discovered in composing a work be the placement of its elements? Shouldn't the arrangement and order of things come naturally during the initial stages? However, upon closer examination, Eliot's words reflect the complexity inherent in the creative process. When we set out to create something, we often have a vague idea, a spark of inspiration that fuels our imagination. It is from this initial spark that we begin piecing together our work, giving shape to our thoughts.Yet, true artistic creation is rarely a linear process. As we delve deeper into the act of composition, new ideas emerge, unforeseen paths reveal themselves, and the initial vision may fade or transform entirely. In this journey of exploration, creators are confronted with a multitude of choices: what to include, what to discard, how to structure the narrative or the visual composition. And it is precisely through this intricate dance between intuition and iteration, that the final arrangement, the optimal ordering of elements, reveals itself.The significance of Eliot's quote extends beyond the realm of artistic endeavors. It serves as a metaphor for life itself. In our lives, we often encounter situations where we are unsure of the best way forward. We may have a desire or a goal, but the path to achieving it can feel vague and uncertain. In such moments, Eliot's words can guide us. By acknowledging that the last thing discovered is what to put first, we can embrace the journey of exploration and allow ourselves to be open to new possibilities and unexpected directions.The unexpected philosophical concept that beautifully converges with Eliot's quote is the idea of the Zen concept of "Beginner's Mind." This concept stems from the Buddhist philosophy and encourages individuals to approach every experience with a mind that is open and free from preconceptions. It is the state of mind that one adopts when they are new to a certain endeavor, devoid of preconceived notions or biases. The Beginner's Mind is always ready to learn, discover, and adapt.When we apply the concept of Beginner's Mind to the context of creating a work of art, Eliot's quote takes on an even deeper meaning. Embracing the notion of not knowing what to put first, we approach our creative process with curiosity and a fresh perspective. We let go of any rigid preconceived notions or expectations about how our creation should unfold. We become open to the magic of discovery, allowing ourselves to be guided by intuition and the gentle nudges of inspiration.By integrating the Beginner's Mind into our creative practice, we tap into a wellspring of creative energy. We become receptive to the knowledge that creativity is a dynamic process, one that unfolds gradually and evolves organically. We relieve ourselves of the pressure to have all the answers from the start, and instead, we trust the process of creation.In conclusion, T.S. Eliot's quote, "The last thing one discovers in composing a work is what to put first," serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate nature of the creative process. It urges us to embrace the journey of exploration, to let go of expectations, and to trust the unfolding of our creative endeavors. Combined with the concept of the Beginner's Mind, we are encouraged to approach each creative endeavor and even life itself with an open and curious mind. By adopting this mindset, we unlock the true power of creativity and become receptive to the hidden gems that lie in the discovery of what to put first.