You sought to preserve your creative instincts and what would nourish them. But neurosis itself does not nourish the artist, you know; he creates in spite of it, out of anything, any material given to him. The torments and hells of {crazy men}, are not for you.
by Anaïs Nin
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In her diary, Anaïs Nin reflects on the delicate balance between preserving one's creative instincts and the complications driven by neurosis. She emphasizes that true creativity emerges from a place beyond mental anguish, suggesting that it is not the torment and suffering of one's psyche that fuels artistic expression. Instead, an artist can draw inspiration from various sources, transforming everyday experiences into something profound.

Nin's perspective highlights the resilience of artists who manage to create despite their inner turmoil. She implies that while mental struggles may be prevalent, they do not necessarily enhance artistic output. The notion that creativity can thrive independently of psychological suffering invites a deeper understanding of the creative process and encourages artists to seek nourishment that is uplifting rather than painful.

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