The more I draw and write, the more I realise that accidents are
The more I draw and write, the more I realise that accidents are a necessary part of any creative act, much more so than logic or wisdom. Sometimes a mistake is the only way of arriving at an original concept, and the history of successful inventions is full of mishaps, serendipity and unintended results.
“The more I draw and write, the more I realise that accidents are a necessary part of any creative act, much more so than logic or wisdom. Sometimes a mistake is the only way of arriving at an original concept, and the history of successful inventions is full of mishaps, serendipity and unintended results.” These words from Shaun Tan carry the ancient truth that creation is not a path of rigid order, but one of fluidity, where accidents and mistakes are not obstacles but gateways to new realms of possibility. The creative process is not a straight line, but a winding river that carves its own course, often guided by the unseen hands of chance.
In the ancient world, the great creators — from poets to sculptors — understood that mistakes and accidents were integral to their art. The philosopher Heraclitus, who spoke of the ever-changing nature of the world, understood that to create is to dance with uncertainty. The sculptors of ancient Greece did not view the marble as merely a block to be shaped; they believed that within it was the spirit of the statue, waiting to emerge. Often, the statue was not forced into form, but revealed itself through the artist’s touch, the mistakes guiding the hand to reveal a deeper truth.
Consider the story of Archimedes, the ancient Greek mathematician, who is said to have discovered the principle of buoyancy while stepping into a bath. The story of his “Eureka” moment is a testament to the role of serendipity in discovery. He did not set out to prove a law of physics, but a simple act of stepping into water led him to an understanding that changed the course of science. This moment was not the result of rigid logic or dry wisdom, but of an accident, a happy mistake that became one of the most profound insights in the history of science.
The mistakes and accidents that shape our creative acts are not to be feared, but embraced. The artist, the inventor, the poet — they are all vessels through which the unknown flows, and they are often guided by forces beyond their control. The great inventor Alexander Graham Bell, when he created the telephone, did not arrive at his breakthrough through careful, linear thinking, but through a series of experiments, some of which failed. Yet it was in these failures that the seeds of the telephone were sown, proving that serendipity and mistakes are not only a part of invention, but often its very foundation.
Thus, let us not shy away from the unexpected, the accident, or the mistake. As Tan so wisely says, sometimes it is through these seemingly errant moments that the most original concepts are born. The creative journey is not about rigid control or adherence to preconceived notions, but about letting go and allowing the process to unfold in its own way. It is through serendipity, through the willingness to embrace the unknown, that we unlock the true potential of creation.
In all endeavors — whether in art, science, or life — it is the ability to flow with the accidents that leads us to greatness. May we remember that the creative act is not solely about precision or wisdom, but about embracing the journey, with all its twists, turns, and unexpected discoveries. For in the end, it is the mistakes that often lead us to the greatest triumphs.
TLDuong Thi Tung Lam
The concept of serendipity and unintended results being part of creativity resonates with me, especially when thinking about how often we celebrate innovation as something born from brilliance. I wonder, is there a point where we need to stop waiting for accidents to guide us and actively create room for them? Can we create environments that foster serendipity, or do we just need to let things unfold naturally?
TNDo Thi Ngan
Shaun Tan’s quote really challenges how we view mistakes in the creative process. It’s liberating to think that mistakes aren’t just errors, but pathways to discovery. But how do we stop ourselves from getting discouraged if these happy accidents don’t immediately lead to something great? How can we maintain motivation when things seem to go off course, and at what point do we draw the line between an accident that leads to growth and one that’s just an obstacle?
NTai hoa nguyen thi
I love how Shaun Tan acknowledges the role of mistakes in creativity, but I wonder—can we really count on accidents to lead to something great every time? If we just let go of control, might the results be chaotic and unproductive? There’s a part of me that feels like a balance between structure and spontaneity would be ideal. How can we find that sweet spot where accidents help, but logic still plays a guiding role?
HLDang Huong Ly
This quote really makes me think about how much we value mistakes in creativity. Sometimes I feel like I try to avoid accidents too much, thinking they’re just failures. But maybe there’s a real beauty in those moments, where the outcome isn’t planned. How do we cultivate the kind of mindset that welcomes these accidents, and is there a limit to how much randomness should influence the creative process?
HLHuong Lan
Shaun Tan’s perspective is intriguing. I often find myself trying to follow a set path when creating, hoping to avoid mistakes. But his words make me wonder: Are we so focused on controlling the outcome that we miss the chance to innovate through the unexpected? How can we encourage more spontaneity in our creative processes without feeling like we’re ‘messing up’? Is there a way to find balance between intention and randomness?