All works of art are commissioned in the sense that no artist can create one by a simple act of will but must wait until what he believes to be a good idea for a work comes to him.

Meaning

This quote articulates a concise principle related to life. It hints that life unfolds in unexpected ways and reminds us that the present moment deserves attention.

Theme

Reflections on life reveal how universal the theme is. It resonates since life affects every decision we make and teaches that being present enriches experience.

About the Author

Many popular reflections are credited to W. H. Auden, including this one. Their words often comment on themes like life.

Style and Structure

The phrasing is minimalistic, using contrast to focus attention on the core idea.

FAQ

What does this quote mean?
life unfolds in unexpected ways.

Why is it popular?
It speaks clearly about life, making it widely relatable.

How can it be applied?
It encourages us to we stay open to change.