For too long, we've assumed that there is a single template for human nature, which is why we diagnose most deviations as disorders. But the reality is that there are many different kinds of minds. And that's a very good thing.

Rejection process is not fun. It's the red pen on the page, the discarded sketch, sometimes is the only way forward.

While human nature largely determines how we hear the notes, it is nurture that lets us hear the music.

The inconsistency of genius is a consistent theme of creativity.

In fact, the only way to remain creative over time--to not be undone by our expertise--is to experiment with ignorance, to stare at things we don't fully understand.

It doesn't matter if people are playing jazz or writing poetry. If they want to be successful, they need to learn how to persist and persevere and keep on working until the work is done... I bet there isn't a single highly successful person who has not depended on grit. Nobody is talented enough to not have to work hard, and that's what grit allows you to do.

Harlow would later write, "If monkeys have taught us anything, it's that you've got to learn how to love before you learn how to live.