Ninety-nine percent talent…ninety-nine percent discipline…ninety-nine percent work. He must never be satisfied with what he does. It is never as good as it can be done. Always dream and shoot higher than you know you can do. Don't bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself. An artist is a creature driven by demons. He doesn't know why they choose him and he's usually too busy to wonder why. He is completely amoral in that he will rob, borrow, beg, or steal from anybody and everybody to get the work done.
The quote emphasizes the importance of talent, discipline, and relentless work ethic in achieving greatness. It suggests that one should never be complacent with their current achievements, but rather strive for continuous improvement and aim higher than what seems possible. The message encourages individuals to focus on personal growth rather than merely comparing themselves to others.
Additionally, the quote highlights the internal struggles faced by an artist, who is often driven by deep-seated motivations that may remain unclear to them. This relentless pursuit of creativity can lead them to act without moral constraints, seeking inspiration and resources in whatever way necessary to achieve their vision. Ultimately, it reflects the complex and often tumultuous nature of the artistic journey.
