David Douglas Duncan Archive,The Harry Ransom Center, U of Texas at Austin

Sometimes, we have so much to do, so many things pulling at us, that we don’t know what to do first. We’ve been trying out a new very simple guideline that we read recently; It’s a quote from Pablo Picasso:

“Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone.”

We find that it immediately cuts the shit, and helps to clarify the important things, even if it doesn’t perfectly resolve all the rest…

We also found a trove of David Douglas Duncan’s wonderful photographs of Picasso, online with notations, like this one:

David Douglas Duncan Archive, The Harry Ransom Center, U of Texas at Austin
“Picasso’s place at the table, just after luncheon.”

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3 replies on “rules for living: just one from pablo picasso

  1. Ah, that is really the right sentiment, isn’t it? I so often find that it is business types who tell you to not put off until tomorrow what you can do today. but that conjures up late nights at the office for me, whereas this quote here is more about making sure those you care about in your life are taken care of, know that they are loved, etc. A much better way to express it I think.

  2. I love your website.. What a great sentiment. I learn something from you everyday. Thank you

  3. What a picture of Picasso. Amazing. I thought the quotation would be along the lines of dance every day…….thanks. every day you make me smile.

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