Many of the things people associate with the term amateur are usually negatively connotated. Someone who’s not good enough at something, someone who doesn’t really know what they’re doing. I have heard  Amateur used as an insult before, diminishing someone’s efforts in a particular space because they seemed not up to par.

However, this is not what I see at all. In my book, whether this was linguistically correct or not, this word always had a dreamy almost romantic connotation. To me the word Amateur was surrounded by a sense of joy and lightness. It depicted someone whose interest in a subject overshadowed any limiting beliefs one might have when venturing into a foreign world of skills. In my book, the definition of amateur is someone who carries a sense of passion, curiosity, and a willingness to learn.

Being an amateur means embracing the joy of exploration without letting the weight of expectations weigh you down too much. It’s about diving into something new with enthusiasm, fueled by a genuine love for the endeavor itself. One might say enjoying the journey beyond everything else.

In the world of creativity, being an amateur is where the magic begins. It’s the starting point of countless masterpieces, where interest meets unbridled ambition. Artists, musicians, writers, and creators of all kinds find liberation in their amateur status, free to experiment, make mistakes, and ultimately discover their unique voice. As Voltaire said

But being an amateur extends far beyond the realms of art.  It’s the ability to kneel into something, really start from scratch and enjoy the ride. To forbid the “cringe” to hinder them from building wings (scientists may call them neural pathways or whatever ;), especially in a world that seems to be obsessed with highlighting and showcasing only the end product. Being an Amateur means being courageous. Amateurs are brave. Especially the authentic ones.

So here’s to the Amateurs—the dreamers, the learners, the doers—whose passion knows no bounds and whose potential is limitless. May we never forget that the most remarkable journeys start with one curious step.

Bonne Chance and Happy Amateuring !

Inanta H.