Meaning: This quote by Norton Juster, an American architect and author best known for his children's books, invites reflection on the nature of influences and the way people perceive them. At first glance, the quote may seem straightforward, but it contains layers of meaning that speak to the complexity of creative inspiration and the subjective nature of influence.

When Juster states that people always ask about his influences and cite a bunch of people he's never heard of, he is pointing to the fact that individuals often assume certain influences or inspirations for a person's work without necessarily being accurate. This can be seen as a commentary on the assumptions people make about creativity and the sources of artistic inspiration. It also highlights the disconnect that can exist between an artist's actual influences and the influences that others attribute to them.

In the context of the creative process, the idea of influences is often tied to the concept of artistic lineage and the ways in which artists are shaped by the work of those who came before them. However, Juster's quote suggests that this view of influence can be oversimplified. It challenges the notion that influences are always readily identifiable or easily traceable, and it raises questions about the complexity of creative inspiration.

The quote also speaks to the subjective nature of influence. What one person sees as a clear influence on an artist's work may not be recognized by the artist themselves. This underscores the personal and often enigmatic nature of creative inspiration. Artists may draw from a wide range of experiences, encounters, and sources of inspiration, many of which may not be immediately obvious to others.

Moreover, Juster's statement can be interpreted as a commentary on the tendency to prioritize certain influences over others. People often look for recognizable names or established figures when discussing influences, but this can overlook the significance of more subtle or personal sources of inspiration. Juster's remark challenges the assumption that only well-known or widely acknowledged influences are meaningful, suggesting that the true sources of creative inspiration are diverse and idiosyncratic.

In a broader sense, the quote encourages a reevaluation of how we think about influence and inspiration in the creative process. It prompts us to consider the multiplicity of factors that shape an artist's work and the ways in which influences can be both overt and elusive. It also invites reflection on the limitations of our understanding when it comes to interpreting the sources of creative inspiration.

In conclusion, Norton Juster's quote about influences offers a thought-provoking perspective on the nature of creative inspiration. It challenges assumptions about the clarity and universality of influences, highlighting the complexity and subjectivity of the creative process. By encouraging a more nuanced and open-minded approach to thinking about influences, the quote invites us to consider the diverse and often enigmatic sources of artistic inspiration.