I don't write just to be clever. But sometimes I do. And if you don't have an understanding of the language, then the way in which it's bent doesn't actually register. It's the old you-gotta-paint-like-them-before-you-can-paint-like-you thing.
This quote emphasizes the importance of mastering foundational skills and understanding a craft deeply before innovating or forging your own path. It suggests that appreciating the nuances and structures in a discipline, such as language or art, enables genuine originality. The analogy of painting highlights how emulating masters builds the skills necessary for authentic self-expression later on. Ultimately, it encourages patience and diligent learning as the groundwork for creative freedom, reflecting on the idea that true originality often stems from a solid grasp of traditional techniques.
