The waking mind is the least serviceable in the arts.

Henry Miller

 

The Quote in Other Words

The arts are least aided by the mind when it is awake.

 

Explanation of the Quote

This quote suggests that the conscious mind is not the most useful tool when it comes to creating art. Instead, it implies that the subconscious mind, or the dream state, may be more effective in producing creative works. This idea is supported by the fact that many artists and writers have reported experiencing vivid dreams that inspire their work. Additionally, the subconscious mind is often associated with intuition and instinct, which can be valuable assets in the creative process. However, this does not mean that the conscious mind is irrelevant in art-making. Rather, it may be more useful in refining and editing the work produced by the subconscious. Overall, this quote highlights the importance of tapping into different aspects of the mind in order to create meaningful and impactful art.