In the wintertime, in the snow country, citrus fruit was so rare, and if you got one, it was better than ambrosia.
James Earl JonesRead
You sang in church, you know, and you didn't act at all. You tried not to act, you tried to tell the truth. The idea of being a troubadour on the road singing for your supper was very disturbing to him.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of authenticity in expression over performance.
In this quote, James Earl Jones reflects on the value of truthful expression through art, specifically in the context of singing in church as a genuine act rather than a performance. The mention of a troubadour signifies a conflict between the romantic notion of being an artist who performs for sustenance and the desire to be sincere and unpretentious in one's artistic expression.
Themes
AuthenticityArtTruthSingingPerformance
In practice
Example use cases
Talking about the importance of sincerity in artistic endeavors during a panel discussion.
More from James Earl Jones
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Love was just a word to me. Until you came along and gave it meaning.
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The goal wasn't to be a millionaire or to be a Hollywood star. That was not the goal. The goal was something about - the goal was to find the goal, but I knew where it was.
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Just so you know, there's a space that only you can fill. Just so you know, I loved you then, I guess I always will.
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There's nothing I would retire for, so I won't retire.
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