This quote suggests that to create truly original work, an artist must let go of all preconceived notions, techniques, and styles of painting. Picasso encourages artists to forget everything they know about painting when they paint. This means that they must not be confined by the traditional rules and methods of painting. Instead, they should let their creativity flow freely, uninhibited by the fear of deviating from the norm. This way, they can bring something new and unique to the table, rather than just replicating what has been done before.

In the context of personal development or in today’s world, this idea can be interpreted as the need to unlearn and relearn. Often, we are held back by our own beliefs, habits, and preconceived notions. We are afraid to challenge the status quo or step out of our comfort zones. However, to grow and develop as individuals, we need to forget what we think we know and be open to new experiences, ideas, and ways of thinking.

This quote can also be applied to industries and fields outside of art. In business, for example, companies that stick to traditional methods and refuse to innovate often get left behind. On the other hand, those that forget the ‘rules’ and dare to do things differently often end up disrupting the industry and achieving great success.

In essence, Picasso’s quote is an encouragement to break free from the shackles of convention and dare to explore the unknown. Whether in art, personal development, or any other field, forgetting what we know can open the door to originality, innovation, and growth.