Obscure Quotes About Originality That Deserve More Attention
Quotes about originality often come from the same familiar voices—but some of the most powerful insights are the ones you’ve never heard. In this article, we uncover obscure quotes about originality that deserve more attention, offering fresh perspectives from overlooked thinkers, artists, and creators. Whether you’re seeking creative inspiration or a deeper understanding of authentic expression, these hidden gems will challenge how you think about originality.
Originality is a popular topic, but the most quoted pieces often recycle familiar thoughts. There’s a hidden world of lesser-known, thought-provoking sayings that offer deeper or unconventional insight into what it means to be original. This article highlights overlooked quotes about originality, unpacks their context, and explores how these ideas can spark new breakthroughs in creativity.
Why Obscure Quotes Matter
While popular quotes provide comfort and motivation, obscure sayings often challenge assumptions and provide new points of view. They come from varied backgrounds—writers, artists, thinkers—whose unique voices aren’t always part of mainstream compilations. Seeking out these rarities can make personal growth and creative journeys richer.
Standout Obscure Quotes on Originality
- “Nothing of me is original. I am the combined effort of everyone I’ve ever known.” – Chuck Palahniuk, Invisible Monsters
This perspective recognizes creativity as a tapestry woven from shared experiences, rather than a solo act of genius. - “Being different and thinking different makes a person unforgettable. History does not remember the forgettable.” – Suzy Kassem
Kassem’s words invite readers to embrace uniqueness, not for self-importance, but to leave an authentic mark on the world. - “Originality is nothing but judicious imitation.” – Voltaire
Rather than idolizing complete novelty, Voltaire suggests that choosing sources wisely—and reimagining them—is what creates something special. - “The merit of originality is not novelty; it is sincerity.” – Thomas Carlyle
Carlyle reframes originality as the product of honest effort, not forced innovation. True originality touches others because it comes from an honest place within. - “You are an original masterpiece; imitating someone else diminishes your value.” – Unknown
This quote, often found in lesser-known collections, is a reminder that copying others reduces our unique contribution.
Lesser-Known Authors and Thinkers to Explore
- Franklin P. Jones
Known for his wit and wisdom, Jones quipped, “Originality is the art of concealing your source.” His sharp humor encourages reflection on creative borrowing and disguise. - Maria Kronfeldner
A philosopher who writes extensively about creativity, Kronfeldner discusses originality’s requirements in depth, distinguishing between psychological and historical novelty. - Suzy Kassem
An author and poet focusing on individuality, Kassem has penned lesser-known but resonant lines such as, “Being different and thinking different makes a person unforgettable.” - Thomas Carlyle
Though better known in literary circles, Carlyle’s view: “The merit of originality is not novelty; it is sincerity,” shifts the originality conversation from novelty to honest expression. - Robert Walser
An underrated figure in German literature, Walser is described as a “sentence artist…who spent his last 27 years in an asylum in Switzerland.” His reflective approach to originality can be found in his unique fiction and essays. - James Salter
A cult-favorite among writers but overlooked by the public, Salter’s works explore the subtlety and authenticity of personal vision—core themes for originality. - Unknown Authors
Collections often feature impactful anonymous quotes on originality, revealing the collective wisdom that doesn’t belong to any single famous voice.
Exploring their ideas and works offers a diverse, deeper approach to the meaning and value of originality.
Unique Originality Quotes From Underrated Authors
Here are unique originality quotes from underrated authors and thinkers. These voices may not be widely known but offer powerful perspectives:
Mwanandeke Kindembo
- “A genuine stone is better than a counterfeit gem.”
- “Original daisies are worth more than counterfeit roses.”
- “If you think like everyone else, you’ll end up like everyone else.”
These thoughts from Kindembo’s works stress authentic identity and warn against imitation, making them strong reminders of the value in standing out.
Killosophy
- “Creative people are often found either disagreeable or intimidating by mediocrities.”
- “Solitude is the soil in which genius is planted, creativity grows, and legends bloom; faith in oneself is the rain that cultivates a hero to endure the storm, and bear the genesis of a new world, a new forest.”
Killosophy—often cited under pseudonym—highlights the friction between creativity and the average, and the importance of solitude in nurturing originality.
Unknown Authors
- “In a world full of imitators dare to be original.”
- “A cheap original is better than a costly imitation.”
- “Stop trying to be like everybody else. Be your own brand. Do you. What makes you special is your originality.”
These anonymous aphorisms found in lesser-known quote collections champion self-made distinctiveness and encourage bold originality.
Venus in Arms (Lesser-known literary work)
- “In order to share one’s true brilliance one initially has to risk looking like a fool: genius is like a wheel that spins so fast, it at first glance appears to be sitting still.”
This line from “Venus in Arms” (an obscure literary title) depicts the vulnerability required to reveal true genius.
White Mountain (Underrated literary work)
- “He: ‘Whale you be my valentine?’ She: ‘Dolphinitely.’”
While lighthearted, this exchange from “White Mountain”—a little-known book—shows playfulness and individual style in language.
Exploring the reflections of these writers offers fresh vantage points on creativity and originality beyond the mainstream.
Uniqueness Quotes Attributed to James Salter and Carson McCullers
Here are uniqueness and originality quotes from James Salter and Carson McCullers, both of whom bring a quietly profound perspective to the subject:
James Salter – Originality and Uniqueness
- “There is nothing ordinary about living a life in pursuit of greatness.”
This quote underscores how striving for personal greatness inherently means breaking with the ordinary and embracing one’s own unique path. - “To live this life, we must dare to dream and dare to fail.”
Salter emphasizes that embracing your ambitions and the risks that come with them is central to living authentically and uniquely. - “The world is a blank canvas, waiting for you to paint your own masterpiece.”
This powerful metaphor suggests that every person has the opportunity—and inner responsibility—to make a unique mark on the world. - “Your truest self is the one that emerges when no one else is watching.”
Salter’s attention to authenticity points to the genuineness found in unguarded moments as the heart of human uniqueness. - “The world falls away when you find yourself immersed in the act of creation.”
Here, he links originality with absorption in creative work, suggesting true uniqueness is realized in deep engagement with one’s craft.
Carson McCullers – Reflections on Identity and Authenticity
- “For fear is a primary source of evil. And when the question ‘Who am I?’ recurs and is unanswered, then fear and frustration project a negative attitude. The bewildered soul can answer only: ‘Since I do not understand ‘Who I am,’ I only know what I am not.’”
McCullers reflects on how a lack of self-understanding blocks the realization of individuality and leads to negative social consequences. - “Love is the bridge that leads from the I sense to the We, and there is a paradox about personal love. Love of another individual opens a new relation between the personality and the world […] Love casts out fear, and in the security of this togetherness we find contentment, courage. We no longer fear the age-old haunting questions: ‘Who am I?’ ‘Why am I?’ ‘Where am I going?’ – and having cast out fear, we can be honest and charitable.”
Here, she explains how authentic connection with others allows true identity—and thus uniqueness—to emerge without fear.
These quotes together offer nuanced, inwardly-focused meditations on embracing, discovering, and expressing individuality and originality in life and art.
How These Ideas Challenge the Creativity Myth
Mainstream wisdom often tells creators to “just be original,” yet these lesser-known quotes reveal a more nuanced truth. Originality is not always about being first, but about being true—to sources, to self, to the process:
- Many creative thinkers point out that every idea stands on the shoulders of what came before—what matters is the transformation, not just the source.
- Sincerity and vulnerability create lasting work that connects; forced attempts at being “different” can feel hollow.
Applying This Wisdom
Drawing from obscure quotes can encourage people to:
- Value personal voice and unique inner experiences over chasing trends.
- Accept influences with gratitude and transform them in meaningful ways.
- See originality as an ongoing dialogue, rather than a one-time achievement.
Final Thoughts
Unearthing obscure quotes about originality reminds us that the road to authentic creative work is rarely linear. The most original ideas often grow from sincerity, thoughtful imitation, and a willingness to be different—even quietly. Embracing the wisdom in lesser-known words can help anyone find inspiration away from the beaten path.
FAQ: Obscure Quotes About Originality That Deserve More Attention
Q: What is an obscure originality quote?
A: An obscure originality quote is a statement about being original or creative that hasn’t gained mainstream popularity, often originating from lesser-known authors or offering unconventional perspectives.
Q: Why do obscure quotes about originality matter?
A: These quotes often challenge mainstream thinking, encourage deeper reflection, and present unique viewpoints on creativity—offering fresh inspiration and wisdom beyond familiar catchphrases.
Q: Can you share an example of an obscure originality quote?
A: “The merit of originality is not novelty; it is sincerity.” — Thomas Carlyle. This quote emphasizes that authentic expression matters more than simply being different or new.
Another example: “Authenticity is invaluable; originality is nonexistent. And don’t bother concealing your thievery—celebrate it if you feel like it.” — MovieMaker Magazine.
Q: How is originality different from authenticity?
A: Originality involves introducing something new or unique; authenticity refers to being true to one’s self or source. Some quotes highlight that true originality stems from sincere authenticity, not forced novelty.
Q: Are most originality quotes misattributed or misunderstood?
A: Many famous statements about originality are misattributed or taken out of context, but obscure quotes are less likely to be misquoted—often remaining true to their original meaning and source.
Q: How can I apply lessons from obscure originality quotes in my life or work?
A: Focus on sincere engagement with your passions, embrace influences with gratitude, and strive to express your unique perspective rather than imitate others. These quotes remind us that ingenuity begins with honest self-expression.
Q: Where can I find more of these quotes?
A: Specialty books, blogs, quote archives, and sites dedicated to creativity and authenticity often feature obscure originality quotes not commonly found in mainstream lists.
