Courage

Gilbert believes, and wants readers to accept, that fear will always come hand-in-hand with creativity. Gilbert knows that fear is a natural part of the uncertainty of the creative process. Therefore, courage is an essential element of creative living. The imperative nature of courage in the face of creativity is possibly why Gilbert chose to address this theme first in the book's opening section.

Gilbert describes creativity as a treasure that readers must have the courage to discover. She believes that creative treasures are buried within everyone, but that the courage to discover them must be fostered and encouraged. Elizabeth Gilbert uses a quote from poet Jack Gilbert which she will continue to reference throughout the book. "Do you have the courage? Do you have the courage to bring forth this work? The treasures that are hidden inside you are hoping you will say yes" (7).

Gilbert admits that...