It is much more valuable to look for the strength in others. You can gain nothing by criticizing their imperfections.
Daisaku IkedaRead
A great work of art is one that truly moves and inspires you. You yourself must be moved. Don't look at art with others' eyes. Don't listen to music with others' ears. You must react to art with your own feelings, your own heart and mind.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Art should evoke personal emotions and reactions rather than being evaluated through the opinions of others.
This quote by Daisaku Ikeda emphasizes the importance of individual perception in experiencing art. It suggests that to truly appreciate any artistic work—be it painting, music, or any other form—you must engage with it on a personal level. This means allowing your own feelings, thoughts, and experiences to guide your understanding and enjoyment, rather than conforming to what others perceive or value.
Themes
ArtEmotionPersonalExperienceAppreciation
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the impact of a recent art exhibition.
More from Daisaku Ikeda
All quotes →There’s no need for us to be held back by the past or how things have been so far. The important thing is what seeds we are sowing now for the future.
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True love should be transformative; a process that amplifies our capacity to cherish not just one person but all people. It can make us stronger, lift us higher and deepen us as individuals. Only to the extent that we polish ourselves now can we hope to develop wonderful bonds of the heart in the future.
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Let us give something to each person we meet: joy, courage, hope, assurance, or philosophy, wisdom, a vision for the future. Let us always give something.
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Just as a diamond can only be polished by another diamond, it is only through genuine, all-out engagement with others that people can polish their character, and help each other to reach greater heights.
Daisaku IkedaRead
Creating harmony amidst diversity is a fundamental issue of the twenty-first century. While celebrating the unique characteristics of different peoples and cultures, we have to create solidarity on the level of our common humanity, our common life. Without such solidarity, there will be no future for the human race. Diversity should not beget conflict in the world, but richness.
Daisaku IkedaRead
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