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Big Magic

summary ofBig MagicBook by Elizabeth Gilbert

14 min
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You’ll learn

  • Why fear might be your creative roadblock
  • How persistence outshines perfection in art
  • The key to unlocking your creative entitlement
  • Why saying 'no' to some ideas can benefit you

first KEY POINT

The problem with most creatives is that they do not know what to do with an idea until it leaves them

It’s one thing to have an idea, it’s another to know what to do with it. Most creatives do not lack ideas; they lack the tools to implement them. When you understand how sacred ideas are, you’ll know why you have to pay maximum attention to them, and how to bring them to life. Ideas might look coincidental, but they are also magical. Life has hidden treasures in various forms, and it’s left for you to bring forth these treasures using the ideas that come to you. When you’re docile and inactive with an idea, it leaves you and finds someone else to inhabit.Elizabeth Gilbert has written this book to address the issues that have been disturbing a lot of people. If you wish to know more about how to establish a connection between yourself and your ideas, then this summary is the book you.

second KEY POINT

Every human has treasures buried inside them in one way or another, and life expects you to find those treasures through what’s called the “Big Magic”

Creative living is when you find a way to discover that thing that makes you feel alive. For Susan, her creative living was attached to skating. She loved skating since she was small, and when she got to a point in her life where she found it difficult to generate true happiness, she went back to skating for the fun of it and it brought back enough happiness to make her feel alive again.

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first KEY POINT

Inspiration can be a great source of magical experience, especially for writers

second KEY POINT

You do not need anybody’s permission to live a creative life

third KEY POINT

There’s barely anything new, which means your idea is definitely not one of its kind

fourth KEY POINT

Learning is one of the biggest arts of writing; the more you learn, the more your ability to write increases

fifth KEY POINT

It doesn’t matter whether you’re getting published or not, keep on writing your ideas

sixth KEY POINT

If you want to be a writer, it’s not enough to know that you love writing; you must also know if writing loves you in return

seventh KEY POINT

There’s a chance you’ll be more creative and productive if you embrace love instead of subscribing to sadness as an inspiration

eighth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

Elizabeth Gilbert is a bestselling author and TED speaker. She is best known for her book ‘Eat Pray Love,’ which has been translated into more than 30 languages and sold over 12 million copies worldwide.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear about?

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, authored by Elizabeth Gilbert, explores the nature of creativity and encourages readers to seek a more imaginative life. Gilbert shares insights on overcoming fear and embracing curiosity, making it a practical guide for anyone looking to unlock their creative potential.

What are the key takeaways from Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear?

Some key takeaways from Big Magic include the importance of pursuing joy in creativity, accepting that fear is a natural part of the creative process, and understanding that creativity is a collaborative force. Gilbert emphasizes that creativity is accessible to everyone, urging readers to bring their unique gifts into the world.

Is Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear worth reading?

Yes, Big Magic is definitely worth reading for anyone interested in creativity and personal growth. Elizabeth Gilbert’s relatable writing style and insightful advice make it an inspiring resource for individuals looking to overcome creative blocks and live more authentically.

How many pages is Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear and when was it published?

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear has 288 pages and was published on September 22, 2015. This accessible length makes it a quick yet impactful read for anyone interested in fostering their creative spirit.

How can I apply the principles of Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear in my life?

You can apply the principles from Big Magic by embracing curiosity, engaging with your passions, and taking creative risks without the fear of failure. Gilbert encourages readers to approach their creative endeavors with playfulness and openness, allowing for a more enriching experience.