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All writing, all art, is an act of faith. If one tries to contribute to human understanding, how can that be called decadent? It's like saying a declaration of love is an act of decadence. Any work of art, provide it springs from a sincere motivation to further understanding between people, is an act of faith and therefore is an act of love.
Truman Capote
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Art and writing are expressions of faith and love that aim to enhance human understanding.

Truman Capote emphasizes that all forms of writing and art are deeply rooted in the act of faith. He argues that if an artwork or a written piece is created with the sincere intention of promoting understanding among people, it transcends mere aesthetic value and should not be deemed as excessive or decadent. In fact, such creations are akin to acts of love, reflecting a commitment to connecting individuals on a deeper level.

Themes

ArtWritingFaithUnderstandingLove

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about creativity, one might quote Capote to illustrate the purpose of art.

More from Truman Capote

I want to still be me when I wake up one fine morning and have breakfast at Tiffany´s.
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Hot weather opens the skull of a city, exposing its white brain, and its heart of nerves, which sizzle like the wires inside a lightbulb. And there exudes a sour extra-human smell that makes the very stone seem flesh-alive, webbed and pulsing.
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I don't want to own anything until I find a place where me and things go together.
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The quietness of his tone italicized the malice of his reply.
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My yardstick is how somebody treats me.
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