This quote by Picasso is a lament about the loss of creativity and originality as children grow up. He observes that children, when they paint, do so with an uninhibited freedom and authenticity that is often associated with genius. They do not concern themselves with rules, techniques, or the opinions of others. Instead, they express their thoughts and emotions in a raw and unfiltered way, which is the essence of true creativity.

However, as these children grow older, they are taught to conform to societal norms and expectations. They are told that there are ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ ways to do things, including painting. This conditioning often suppresses their natural creativity and originality, leading Picasso to question what we, as a society, are doing that dulls this ability.

In today’s context, this quote is a reminder of the importance of nurturing and preserving creativity. In a world that is increasingly automated and standardized, the ability to think differently and creatively is more valuable than ever. It also highlights the need for educational systems to foster creativity and originality, rather than suppressing it.

On a personal level, the quote encourages us to reconnect with our inner child – to rediscover the joy of creating for the sake of creating, without worrying about judgment or perfection. It suggests that we should not be afraid to break the norms and to express ourselves authentically, as this is where true genius lies.