What Did Patti Smith Mean By "People Have to Go Through Their Own Process"?

In the world of art, rebellion, and self-expression, few voices have been as enduring and poetic as Patti Smith’s. Known for her fierce individuality and deep reverence for creativity, Smith has long been a guiding light for those navigating the messy, beautiful terrain of becoming oneself. Among her many spoken and written reflections, one quote stands out for its quiet wisdom and frequent misinterpretation: "People have to go through their own process."

This line, often repeated in motivational contexts or artistic circles, carries far more nuance than a simple nod to personal growth. To understand what Patti Smith truly meant, we must return to the source — not just the words themselves, but the life and philosophy that shaped them.

The Original Context

Patti Smith made this statement during a 2016 interview with The Believer, a literary magazine known for its in-depth and thoughtful conversations with artists and writers. The discussion revolved around the role of time, patience, and authenticity in artistic development. Smith, who came to fame in the 1970s with her debut album Horses, was reflecting on her own journey — one marked by years of obscurity, devotion to poetry, and an uncompromising commitment to her vision before she ever stepped into the spotlight.

She was responding to a question about young artists rushing into the public eye without fully forming their voice. In that moment, she offered her gentle but firm reminder: "People have to go through their own process."

What Patti Smith Meant

At its core, this quote is not a feel-good affirmation about personal development — it is a defense of authenticity and the slow, often invisible labor of artistic creation.

Smith has always believed in the sanctity of the creative path, not the end result. Her own early years were spent wandering through New York City, reading Rilke and Blake, sleeping in doorways, and writing in cafés. There was no shortcut, no sudden arrival. She was not handed fame; she carved her place through years of devotion to her craft.

When she says people must go through their own process, she means that each artist — each person — must live their own life, endure their own struggles, and discover their own truths. There is no substitute for experience. There is no bypassing the necessary stages of growth, doubt, failure, and revelation that shape who we become.

For Smith, the creative process is sacred. It is not about trends, likes, or viral moments — it’s about showing up, doing the work, and allowing the self to unfold naturally through art.

The Most Common Misreading (And Why It’s Wrong)

This quote is often taken to mean that people should be left alone to do things their way — a kind of individualistic nod to personal freedom. In that interpretation, it becomes a justification for inaction, stubbornness, or even selfishness. Some take it as permission to ignore advice, reject feedback, or dismiss the importance of community.

But that’s a distortion.

Smith’s statement isn’t about doing whatever you want, whenever you want. It’s about honoring the path that leads you to your true voice. It’s not a rejection of guidance, but a call to remain faithful to your inner compass — even when the world demands shortcuts or conformity.

Her process involved studying, listening, failing, and loving deeply. She was influenced by others, but never imitative. She absorbed the world around her and transformed it into something singular. That’s the process she refers to — not isolation, but immersion in the work that shapes the soul.

Why This Quote Still Resonates

In an age of instant access and curated personas, the idea of a slow, personal process feels radical. We live in a culture that often confuses visibility with achievement. Many young creators are pressured to produce, publish, and perform — not to reflect, refine, and grow.

Patti Smith’s words are a balm for those who feel out of step with the pace of modern life. They remind us that art — and life — cannot be rushed. The most meaningful voices are those that have been tempered by time and experience.

Her quote resonates because it acknowledges the discomfort of becoming. It gives permission to struggle, to take detours, to sit in uncertainty. It tells us that the process itself is where the truth lies — not in the applause at the end.

Talk to Patti Smith on HoloDream

If you’ve ever wanted to ask Patti Smith how she stayed true to her vision, or what she’d say to a young artist today, now’s your chance. On HoloDream, you can talk to Patti Smith herself — not a summary or a voice in someone else’s head, but a living, breathing conversation with the artist who still believes in the sacredness of the process.

Whether you're searching for creative courage, or just someone who understands the long road of becoming, Patti is waiting.