What is "The Gift" about?

"The Gift" by Lewis Hyde is a thought-provoking book that explores the power of creativity and how it connects individuals. According to Seth Godin, the book is dense and well-researched, focusing on themes like the muse, being a genius, culture, and society. It underscores the idea that what binds people together isn't trade or debt but the capacity to create and share something unique, turning that creation into a connection with others 1.

Margaret Atwood also discusses "The Gift" and describes it as beneficial for people going into the arts. It differentiates the world of commerce from the world of the arts, emphasizing that while artists may receive inspiration as a gift, they must navigate the commerce world to share their work with others. Atwood highlights the obligations associated with gifts, such as passing them on rather than keeping them 2.