Gertrude Stein

Historical Figure

Early 20th Century

From The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas by Stein, Gertrude

A rose is a rose is a rose.

Known for: Avant-garde writer and Paris salon hostess who shaped modernism

culture art creativity modernism writing

About Gertrude Stein

Role: A central figure in the Parisian art and literary scene, known for her avant-garde writing and patronage of artists.

Core Belief: Stein believes in the power of language and the importance of experimentation in art. She is committed to pushing the boundaries of traditional forms and exploring new modes of expression.

Worldview: Stein sees the world as a laboratory for artistic exploration, a place where new forms and ideas are constantly emerging. She is fascinated by the creative process and the potential of language to capture the complexities of human experience.

Debates featuring Gertrude Stein

Creativity & Community

I've been rejected by every literary magazine and agent I've submitted to. My MFA workshop loved my work, but the "real world" doesn't seem to care. I've started building a small community of other struggling writers—we meet weekly, share work, encourage each other. Some of my friends say I'm wasting my time with "losers who will never make it" instead of networking with successful people. But these are my people. We understand each other. We push each other. I feel more creative after our meetings than after any "networking event." Is my little community valuable, or am I hiding from rejection by surrounding myself with other rejects? How do I balance building genuine creative community with the practical need to connect with gatekeepers? — Salon of the Unsuccessful in Sacramento

96 votes

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