In a way, editing is not unlike the movies. The best books, just

Ah, the words of Viggo Mortensen, a sage of the creative process, who speaks to us with the wisdom that comes from deep experience in the arts: "In a way, editing is not unlike the movies. The best books, just like the best movies, are a collaboration. They're only as good as the compromise made between the artists involved." In this reflection, Mortensen reveals an essential truth about creation—that the act of bringing something into existence, whether it be a book, a movie, or any work of art, is never a solitary endeavor. It is, instead, a delicate dance of compromise, collaboration, and shared vision. A work of art is shaped not only by the individual genius of its creators, but by their ability to meet one another in the middle, to understand each other’s vision, and to blend their strengths into something greater than the sum of its parts.

In the ancient world, the great poets and artists understood that their craft was never a solitary act. The epic poets of ancient Greece, such as Homer, created works not only through their own inspiration but through the influence of the oral tradition and the collective contributions of those who came before them. The Iliad and the Odyssey were not born of one man’s sole vision, but of centuries of myth, culture, and shared human experience. Similarly, the architects of the great temples and structures in Athens did not work alone, but collaborated with artisans, engineers, and laborers, each contributing their own expertise to create something monumental. The art of creating, in both ancient and modern times, requires the unity of vision, the joining of hands, and the balancing of individual brilliance with the collective effort of many.

Mortensen’s words about the compromise that forms the foundation of great works of art are a reflection of the wisdom passed down through the ages. Socrates, in his dialogues, often spoke of the importance of balance and collaboration—in the search for knowledge, he did not seek to impose his views on others, but to engage in dialogue, to learn and grow together with his fellow philosophers. In the same way, the best movies and books are not born from ego, but from a shared willingness to listen, learn, and shape something greater than what one could create alone. Mortensen, in his understanding of the creative process, echoes this ancient philosophy: the compromise made between artists—their ability to negotiate, to listen, and to allow the work to evolve through collaboration—is what makes a piece of art truly great.

Consider the example of Michelangelo, the master sculptor who created the David, one of the most iconic works of art in history. Michelangelo did not work in isolation; he collaborated with his patrons, the Medici family, and was guided by their vision and demands. However, it was his willingness to compromise his own artistic vision to meet the expectations of others that allowed the piece to come to life. The David represents not only Michelangelo's genius but also the influence of the collaborative process that shaped it. The best works of art, like the best books and movies, emerge when there is a meeting of minds, when the collective wisdom of the artist and the collaborators converges to create something that transcends individual ambition.

The process of compromise is often seen as something to be feared or avoided, yet Mortensen’s insight teaches us that it is necessary for great art. In a world of self-promotion and individual glory, the idea of compromising one’s vision may seem counterintuitive. Yet, as Mortensen rightly points out, the most impactful works of art are those that emerge from the collaboration of diverse voices, talents, and perspectives. The ancient heroes of myth—be they the Greek gods or the Roman warriors—often found their greatest strength not in their solitary deeds, but in their alliances, in the way they came together with others to achieve common goals.

The lesson here is profound: true greatness is found not in individual glory, but in the union of efforts. Whether you are creating a work of art, building a business, or navigating relationships, the key to success lies in your ability to collaborate. The willingness to compromise, to understand the perspectives of others, and to find the middle ground is what transforms a good project into a great one. Like the ancient artists, we must acknowledge that collaboration is not a sign of weakness but of wisdom—the understanding that together, we can create something far greater than what any single individual could accomplish alone.

Thus, the call to action is clear: embrace collaboration in your own life and work. Seek out opportunities to listen to others, to compromise, and to blend your strengths with those of your collaborators. Whether in art, business, or personal relationships, understand that the greatest creations are born from the harmony of multiple voices and the willingness to meet one another in the middle. Like the great creators of the ancient world and like Mortensen in his reflections on filmmaking, the true power of creation lies in the union of effort, the sharing of vision, and the humility to learn from one another. In doing so, we will craft works—both large and small—that will stand the test of time.