We must learn to die, and to die in the fullest sense of the word. The fear of the end is the source of all lovelessness
Richard WagnerRead
I believe in God, Mozart and Beethoven, and likewise their disciples and apostles; - I believe in the Holy Spirit and the truth of the one, indivisible Art; - I believe that this Art proceeds from God, and lives within the hearts of all illumined men.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses a deep belief in the divine nature of art, particularly classical music, and its ability to resonate with enlightened individuals.
Richard Wagner highlights a profound connection between divine inspiration and the creative genius of composers like Mozart and Beethoven. He suggests that true art is not only a product of human effort but also a manifestation of a higher truth, reflecting a universal spirit that resides in those capable of understanding and appreciating its beauty.
Themes
ArtMusicDivineInspirationCreativity
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on the importance of music in spirituality.
More from Richard Wagner
All quotes →The oldest, truest, most beautiful organ of music, the origin to which alone our music owes its being, is the human voice.
Richard WagnerRead
Here, everything is tragic through and through, and the will, that fain would shape a world according to its wish, at last can reach no greater satisfaction than the breaking of itself in dignified annulment.
Richard WagnerRead
I can't distract myself enough here, for sketches to a new opera are constantly buzzing around in my head, to the extent that I need all my strength to wrest myself from them.
Richard WagnerRead
Everything lives and lasts by the inner necessity of its being, by its own nature's need.
Richard WagnerRead
One might say that where Religion becomes artificial, it is reserved for Art to save the spirit of religion.
Richard WagnerRead
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