It is not your paintings I like, it is your painting.

This quote, “It is not your paintings I like, it is your painting,” is a profound reflection on the value of process over product. In essence, it suggests that the act of creating, the journey, the process itself, is more appealing and significant than the final product or outcome.

In this context, Camus implies that the act of painting, the passion, the dedication, the creativity, the struggle, and the whole process of transformation that the artist goes through, is what truly matters. It’s not just about the resulting piece of art (the paintings), but about the unique, individual experience of creating it (your painting).

Applying this quote to today’s world or personal development, it resonates deeply with the idea of ‘enjoying the journey rather than the destination’. In our goal-driven society, we often focus too much on the end result, the achievement of the goal itself, and forget to value the process or journey that leads us there. This might cause us to miss out on the learning, growth, and experience that the journey offers.

In terms of personal development, this quote can be a reminder to focus on the process of self-improvement rather than obsessing over the end result. It’s about embracing the struggles, the failures, the efforts, the small victories, and the learning that happens along the way. It’s about appreciating the journey of becoming better, of growing and evolving, rather than just the final outcome.

Moreover, it might also be interpreted as a call to be present and engaged in whatever we are doing. Instead of rushing through tasks just to get them done and move on to the next, we should take the time to fully immerse ourselves in the process, to learn from it, and to enjoy it. This way, we can find more fulfillment and satisfaction in our daily lives.