This quote suggests that creativity is not necessarily about inventing something entirely new, but rather, it is about how one can take existing ideas and combine, tweak, or apply them in a way that seems original. The ‘sources’ Einstein refers to are the inspirations or ideas that one has borrowed or learned from. Hiding these sources means that the end result doesn’t obviously reveal its influences. It’s about making connections between disparate ideas in such a way that the process seems invisible, thus giving the impression of pure creativity.

In essence, this quote is a nod to the fact that originality is somewhat of an illusion. Every new idea is built on the foundation of what has come before. The trick is to absorb, understand, and then innovate in a way that the borrowed ideas are not immediately recognizable. This requires a deep understanding and mastery of the subject at hand, as well as the ability to see connections that others may not.

In today’s world, this concept is highly applicable. In the realm of technology, for example, many new inventions are iterations or combinations of existing technologies, packaged and presented in a way that feels fresh and revolutionary. Similarly, in arts and literature, new works often draw heavily from previous works, yet the best ones do so in a way that feels unique and original.

In terms of personal development, this quote suggests that one should not shy away from learning from others. Instead, one should actively seek knowledge and inspiration from a wide variety of sources. The key to personal growth and creativity is not to simply mimic what others have done, but to take those learnings and apply them in your own unique way. This requires critical thinking, problem-solving, and the courage to take risks and step outside of the norm.