My Favorite Big Magic Quotes, Part 1: On Courage and Enchantment

Apr 16

Written By Kate .

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your creative life—whether you're a writer, painter, or just someone who craves a little more magic in the everyday—Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert is a must-read. It’s the kind of book that cracks you open and reminds you that creativity isn’t a luxury—it’s a calling.

In this post (Part 1 of a series!), I’m sharing my favorite quotes from the first two sections of Big Magic: Courage and Enchantment. These lines have stayed with me, and I hope they meet you where you are today—whether you're stuck in fear or just waiting for the next idea to whisper its name.

Let’s dive in.

Featured

On Courage: Creating in the Face of Fear

One of the biggest takeaways from Big Magic is that creativity and fear walk hand in hand. But courage isn’t about eliminating fear—it’s about choosing to move forward anyway.

“He told them that they must live their most creative lives as a means of fighting back against the ruthless furnace of this world.”

This quote hits deep. Creative living isn’t just about making things—it’s about resistance. It’s a form of self-preservation and rebellion. And in a world that feels increasingly harsh, that kind of creativity is vital.

“Most of all, though, he asked his students to be brave. Without bravery, he instructed, they would never be able to realize the vaulting scope of their own capacities. Without bravery, they would never know the world as richly as it longs to be known. Without bravery, their lives would remain small—far smaller than they probably wanted their lives to be.”

So the question becomes:

“Do you have the courage? Do you have the courage to bring forth this work? The treasures that are hidden inside you are hoping you will say yes.”

This is a quote I come back to all the time. It’s a gentle but firm reminder that there’s something inside each of us that wants to come out—and it’s waiting for us to be brave enough to bring it forward.

What Is Creative Living, Anyway?

Elizabeth Gilbert defines creative living as more than just art. It’s a mindset. A way of being.

“The universe buries strange jewels deep within us all, and then stands back to see if we can find them.”

“Creative living,” I am speaking more broadly. I’m talking about living a life that is driven more strongly by curiosity than by fear.”

What if that thing you feel called to make isn’t about success or productivity or even talent—but about simply being curious enough to try?

“A creative life is an amplified life. It’s a bigger life, a happier life, an expanded life, and a hell of a lot more interesting life. Living in this manner—continually and stubbornly bringing forth the jewels that are hidden within you—is a fine art, in and of itself. Because creative living is where Big Magic will always abide.”

The Role of Fear

Fear will always be part of the process—but it doesn’t get to drive the car.

“This is why we have to be careful of how we handle our fear—because I’ve noticed that when people try to kill off their fear, they often end up inadvertently murdering their creativity in the process.”

I love this reminder: fear isn’t the enemy. It just doesn’t get to call the shots.

Featured

On Enchantment: When Inspiration Finds You

The next section of Big Magic explores the mystical, elusive nature of creativity—and how ideas often feel like they’re choosing us as much as we’re choosing them.

“Ideas are a disembodied, energetic life-form.”

“And the only way an idea can be made manifest in our world is through collaboration with a human partner. It is only through a human’s efforts that an idea can be escorted out of the ether and into the realm of the actual.”

Creativity, in this sense, becomes a kind of partnership.

“You are neither a slave to inspiration nor its master, but something far more interesting—its partner—and the two of you are working together toward something intriguing and worthwhile.”

“Cooperate fully, humbly, and joyfully with inspiration.”

This takes the pressure off, doesn’t it? Instead of chasing ideas or waiting for the perfect moment, we simply stay open. We show up. And we trust the process.

“When the time is ripe for certain things, they appear at different places, in the manner of violets coming to light in early spring.”

Have you ever looked back at something you created and wondered how you even pulled it off?

“You may know this feeling. It’s the feeling you get when you’ve made something wonderful, or done something wonderful, and when you look back at it later, all you can say is: ‘I don’t even know where that came from.’”

Creativity as a Sacred, Yet Everyday Act

At the heart of Big Magic is a paradox: creativity is both divine and ordinary. It’s sacred and playful. It matters deeply—and yet, it’s not so precious that we need to be paralyzed by it.

“Just because creativity is mystical doesn’t mean it shouldn’t also be demystified—especially if it means liberating artists from the confines of their own grandiosity, panic, and ego.”

“You can measure your worth by your dedication to your path, not by your successes or failures.”

That last quote is the one I want to tape to my wall. It’s not about going viral. It’s not about publishing the book. It’s about the act of showing up.

Featured

Final Thoughts

There’s so much richness in just these first two sections of Big Magic. These quotes on courage and enchantment remind me that creativity isn’t something you earn—it’s something you already have. You just have to choose it.

Whether you’re building a business, writing your first novel, or rediscovering your love for painting, let these words guide you back to your creative core.

More posts to come—Part 2 will cover Permission and Persistence.

Enjoyed this post? Save it on Pinterest, share it with a fellow creative, or drop your favorite quote from Big Magic in the comments below.

Ready to create a site that works as hard as you do? Check out my Author Website Templates and let’s make your dream author website a reality!