Podcast Summary: How to Be a Better Human — Episode: "Steal Like An Artist" with Austin Kleon

Introduction to the Episode

In this enlightening episode of How to Be a Better Human, hosted by comedian Chris Duffy, the conversation centers around creativity and the philosophy encapsulated in Austin Kleon's renowned book, Steal Like an Artist. Released on June 23, 2025, the episode delves deep into the nuances of creativity, inspiration, and the delicate balance between originality and imitation. Through an engaging dialogue, Chris and Austin explore how embracing influences can enhance one's creative output and personal growth.

Steal Like An Artist Philosophy

The episode kicks off with Chris reflecting on his early days in comedy, expressing the common struggle of aspiring artists wanting to emulate their idols. He shares, “I did want to be like him, right?” (00:38), highlighting the inherent tension between seeking originality and drawing inspiration from established figures.

Austin Kleon introduces his distinctive take on creativity, stating, “I am a creative kleptomaniac, but unlike your regular kleptomaniac, I'm interested in stealing the things that really mean something to me, the things that I can actually use in my work” (03:02). This metaphor sets the tone for the discussion, emphasizing the importance of borrowing meaningful ideas to foster creativity.

A pivotal moment occurs when Austin recounts Picasso’s famous adage, “Good artists copy, great artists steal” (03:32). He elaborates, “When you look at the world this way, there is no longer good art and bad art. There's just art worth stealing and art that isn't” (03:36). This perspective shifts the focus from mere imitation to thoughtful assimilation of valuable concepts.

Artistic Style and Inspiration

Chris expresses admiration for Austin’s cross-disciplinary approach, noting, “You're an artist, you're a poet, you're a writer, you're an author” (11:43). Austin responds by defying traditional labels, advocating for a verb-focused identity over a noun-based one. He explains, “I’ve started thinking that nouns are more deleterious than verbs... If you forget about whatever noun you're trying to be and you just focus on the verbs” (11:56). This approach encourages flexibility and adaptability in one’s creative endeavors.

The Importance of Community and Scenius

A central theme in the conversation is the concept of Scenius versus individual genius. Austin credits Brian Eno for coining the term Scenius, which refers to the collective intelligence and creativity of a community. “Most of the time when we talk about creative work, we talk about genius... what we don't talk about as much is what Brian Eno calls seniors, which is the collective form of genius” (07:05). This collective approach underscores the significance of communal influence and shared growth in the creative process.

Chris distills this idea succinctly: “If I was going to pick out the single biggest and most important piece of advice for someone who's thinking about being more creative or being professionally creative, it would be to focus on Scenius instead of genius” (08:22). This reinforcement highlights the value of collaborative environments in nurturing creativity.

Embracing Imperfection and Creativity

Austin passionately discusses the beauty of imperfection in creative work. He references Japanese art forms like wabi-sabi and kintsugi, which celebrate flaws and repairs as integral to the art’s character. “I think there's something about that tension between my deep longing to do nothing and to be extremely disciplined. Something arises out of that” (36:43). This acceptance of imperfection not only humanizes the creative process but also makes art more relatable and engaging.

Integrating Family and Creativity

The dialogue takes a personal turn as Chris inquires about balancing family life with creative pursuits. Austin shares his seamless integration of family and creativity, stating, “I see everything as just a big stoop” (17:35). He credits his children for inspiring his creative endeavors, explaining how their unfiltered perspectives act as catalysts for his artistic growth. “If you are feeling stuck creatively, just borrow a four-year-old for an afternoon and you will see the world the way an artist sees it” (17:35).

Managing Creativity and Discipline

Austin addresses the often misunderstood relationship between laziness and discipline in the creative process. “I find myself to be a deeply lazy person... But I'm an intensely disciplined person” (32:09). He emphasizes that discipline doesn’t negate creativity but rather provides the structure necessary to harness creative energy effectively. This balance allows for sustained creative output without burnout.

The Role of Art in Changing Lives

A profound segment of the episode explores the impact of art on individuals and, by extension, the world. Austin deflects the notion that art can save the world outright but asserts its power to "save lives" by reaching and uplifting individuals. “I think art is trying to throw art at the world is like attacking a knight in armor with a hot fudge sundae. I don't actually think art saves the world at all. I think it saves lives” (37:46). This perspective underscores the incremental yet significant influence art can have on societal well-being.

Overcoming Fear of Imperfection in Sharing Work

Chris candidly shares his struggle with the fear of imperfection when it comes to sharing his work, questioning how to maintain authenticity during tumultuous times. Austin advises creating “safe failures” through private projects or hobbies where one can experiment without the fear of public scrutiny. “You have to find some sort of wood sheddy kind of like a private place where you could put yourself in that kind of beginner's mind” (40:58). This strategy fosters a supportive environment for creative experimentation and growth.

Balancing Structure and Spontaneity

The conversation culminates with a discussion on balancing structured creativity with spontaneity. Austin illustrates this balance by detailing his own routines, where certain aspects are scheduled, yet ample space remains for unexpected ideas to flourish. “I use my intense discipline to balance out my laziness... You need to find the proper tension that makes your work sing” (32:09). This equilibrium ensures sustained creativity while allowing for organic inspiration.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with Chris reflecting on the invaluable insights shared by Austin, emphasizing the transformative power of embracing collective creativity, imperfection, and disciplined spontaneity. Austin reinforces the notion that creating art is not about achieving perfection but about the continuous process of making, sharing, and evolving. “Show up and do what you know how to do” (37:46), he urges, encapsulating the essence of proactive and authentic creative engagement.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Austin Kleon (03:02): “I am a creative kleptomaniac, but unlike your regular kleptomaniac, I'm interested in stealing the things that really mean something to me, the things that I can actually use in my work.”

• Austin Kleon (03:32): “Good artists copy, great artists steal.”

• Austin Kleon (07:05): “Most of the time when we talk about creative work, we talk about genius... what we don't talk about as much is what Brian Eno calls seniors, which is the collective form of genius.”

• Austin Kleon (11:56): “I’ve started thinking that nouns are more deleterious than verbs... If you forget about whatever noun you're trying to be and you just focus on the verbs.”

• Austin Kleon (17:35): “If you are feeling stuck creatively, just borrow a four-year-old for an afternoon and you will see the world the way an artist sees it.”

• Austin Kleon (32:09): “I use my intense discipline to balance out my laziness... You need to find the proper tension that makes your work sing.”

• Austin Kleon (37:46): “I don't actually think art saves the world at all. I think it saves lives.”

Final Remarks

This episode of How to Be a Better Human offers a rich tapestry of insights into the creative process, emphasizing the importance of community, the acceptance of imperfection, and the balance between structure and spontaneity. Austin Kleon's perspectives serve as a guiding beacon for aspiring artists and creatives, encouraging them to embrace influences, foster collaborative environments, and prioritize the joy of creation over the pursuit of perfection. Whether you're a seasoned artist or someone looking to ignite your creative spark, this conversation provides practical wisdom and inspirational takeaways to help you on your journey to becoming a better human through creativity.