In "The Amber Spyglass," author Philip Pullman expresses a sentiment about creativity and inspiration. He suggests that the process of creation is not entirely original, as artists and writers often draw from the wealth of ideas available in literature. The act of 'stealing' ideas can be viewed as a natural part of artistic development, where one learns from and builds upon the works of others.

This quote reflects a common truth in the literary world: great works are often influenced by the myriad of thoughts and concepts encountered by their creators. Pullman acknowledges the interconnectedness of ideas and the importance of prior works in shaping new narratives, emphasizing that innovation frequently stems from an amalgamation of existing thoughts.