How to Create a Masterpiece
The secret that turned an obscure town into the capital of art
At the beginning of the 14th century, the leaders of a little-known Tuscan town devised a plan to make the city the cultural capital of Europe (considered the world at the time). They envisaged elegant streets, lavish schools, lofty museums, and scholarly citizens. They wished others would mention it in the same breath as Rome or Paris.
Over the next two centuries, the town would become the epicenter for art, science, architecture, and literature—establishing such artists as Leonard da Vinci and Michelangelo. That is the story of .
At the time, the directions of the vision did not have any evidential or logical reinforcements. It was laughable that anything resembling Florence’s prominence today would be possible.
The town was poor, infertile, and surrounded by rivals. They made the city a masterpiece without support, firearms, or wealth. Florence’s soil was fertilized with nothing more than confidence.
This story is a parable for our own lives. We have a gulf between where we are and where we can be, and we use every excuse not to take the arduous path.
We are not smart enough, attractive enough, or financially stable enough. The story dissipates the fog and places us directly in front of the truth: we are afraid. It is now our choice—for good and for bad—to remain in the warm, comfortable embrace of mediocrity.
There is a paradox when it comes to our potential. When we imagine ourselves there, we see ourselves as successful, respected, and having contributed something magnificent to the world. We look back on the path behind us with a gentle smile and reassurance.
But when it comes to getting there, the same path is paralyzing. It is full of self-doubt and failure anxiety. Our ideas and work seem dreadful and of nonexistent value. We feel helpless and worthless.
The solution to this paradox lies in rectifying a false belief. We have come to equate value to social status. So that a work is considered well-made based on its prestige. Imagine a masterpiece, , for example. The essence of that creation is words, which do not even have to be on paper. We glorify it for its creativity and keen insight into life, and so we as individuals—who may not read the book—do not doubt that it is exceptional and noteworthy.
But what would we think of it if it did not have the reputation it has? Would that make the writing of it a waste of time?
We have to do our work without cultural cheer or promise; we need to do our work because we believe in it and because it contributes to our lives. The self-belief that what we do is valuable in its own right is the secret to creating work that will last.
It will take time; it will be difficult. Self-doubt will always remain. But we can cultivate the confidence and trust that one day we will reach the golden gate of our potential. It all starts with a mental shift.
Originally published at on July 5, 2023.
