Interesting for an Old Duffer

August 1, 2026

“Very interesting for an old duffer like me to try his hand at something new. If I don't do that once in a while, I might just turn into a fossil, you know!”

This charming quote is widely attributed to Norman Rockwell, the legendary American illustrator best known for capturing the warmth and quirkiness of everyday life. However, despite its frequent citation online and in print, no verifiable source confirms Rockwell actually said or wrote these exact words. Still, whether or not they originated with him, the sentiment fits well with the spirit of his creative legacy.

Curiosity did not kill the Cat—Stagnation did

Rockwell remained prolific well into his later years, often experimenting with new styles and deeper, more socially conscious themes. His evolution as an artist suggests someone very much in tune with the need to keep growing—and that’s the heart of the quote’s message. Regardless of age or profession, we stagnate when we stop stretching ourselves. Curiosity is what keeps us from fossilizing.

Trying something new doesn't have to mean BIG

The phrase "old duffer" adds a self-deprecating wink, but the insight runs deep. Trying something new, even on a small scale, refreshes our perspective and keeps our minds elastic. It doesn’t have to be dramatic; you don’t need to go skydiving or take up sculpting. Sometimes it's as simple as journaling when you’ve never done so, walking a different route, or finally tackling that short story idea you've been circling for years.

The true danger isn’t failure, it’s never attempting anything unfamiliar. Comfort can slowly harden into habit, and habit into passivity. That’s when we begin to “fossilize.” But every time we nudge ourselves into something unfamiliar, we chip away at that inertia. Whether you’re 25 or 85, you’re never too old (or too settled) to start something new.

The Point Is - Keep Making Forward Progress

So whether Norman Rockwell actually said it or not, the message still stands: If you want to stay creatively and emotionally alive, keep moving, keep trying, and above all—keep surprising yourself.