Not drunk is he who from the floor - Can rise alone and still drink more; But drunk is They, who prostrate lies, Without the power to drink or rise.
The critic does his utmost to blight genius in its infancy; that which rises in spite of him he will not see; and then he complains of the decline of literature.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Critics often stifle creativity and fail to recognize new talent, yet they lament the decline in art and literature.
In this quote, Thomas Love Peacock highlights the role of critics in shaping artistic expression. He suggests that critics, by discouraging new and innovative ideas, can hinder creative genius. However, even as they fail to acknowledge what emerges despite their negativity, they cast blame on the decline of literature and art, overlooking their own contributions to this decline. This reflects a common phenomenon where the voices criticizing the arts may inadvertently contribute to its stagnation.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be cited during a workshop on embracing creative risks.
More from Thomas Love Peacock
All quotes →Man yields to death; and man's sublimest works_x000D_ _x000D_ Must yield at length to Time.
Similar quotes
For the understanding of a picture a chair is needed. Why a chair? To prevent the legs, as they tire, from interfering with the mind
Don't play what's there, play what's not there.
I work very deliberately, with a plan. But sometimes I come to a point that I planned as the end and it needs softening. Ending a novel is almost like putting a child to sleep - it can't be done abruptly.
The process is the most beautiful part.
Work a great deal at evening effects, lamplight, candlelight, etc. The intriguing thing is not to show the source of the light but the effect of the lighting.
Aside from keeping the rain out and producing some usable space, architecture is nothing but a special-effects machine that delights and disturbs the senses.