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All great art is the work of the whole living creature, body and soul, and chiefly of the soul.
John Ruskin
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Great art encompasses the entirety of the artist's being, especially their inner thoughts and feelings.

This quote by John Ruskin emphasizes the holistic nature of artistic creation, suggesting that true artistry emerges from the complete engagement of the artist's body and soul. The core focus is on the soul, indicating that the emotions and spirit of the artist play a crucial role in the creation of meaningful art, which resonates with viewers on a deeper level.

Themes

ArtSoulCreativityExpressionEmotion

In practice

Example use cases

During a lecture on art history, this quote can inspire students to think deeply about the emotional aspects of artistic expression.

More from John Ruskin

Endurance is nobler than strength, and patience than beauty.
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In health of mind and body, men should see with their own eyes, hear and speak without trumpets, walk on their feet, not on wheels, and work and war with their arms, not with engine-beams, nor rifles warranted to kill twenty men at a shot before you can see them.
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You talk of the scythe of Time, and the tooth of Time: I tell you, Time is scytheless and toothless; it is we who gnaw like the worm - we who smite like the scythe. It is ourselves who abolish - ourselves who consume: we are the mildew, and the flame.
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To be able to ask a question clearly is two-thirds of the way to getting it answered.
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See that your children be taught, not only the labors of the earth, but the loveliness of it.
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A little thought and a little kindness are often worth more than a great deal of money.
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