Great works of art have no more affecting lesson for us than this. They teach us to abide by our own spontaneous expression with good humored inflexibility whether the whole cry of voices is on the other side.
Interpretation
Art encourages us to stay true to our genuine selves despite external pressures.
In this quote, Ralph Waldo Emerson emphasizes the importance of authenticity and self-expression in art. He suggests that true masterpieces not only inspire us but also teach us the necessity of remaining steadfast in our unique perspectives, even when faced with opposition from societal norms or popular opinion. This idea underlines the value of individualism and the courage required to uphold one's beliefs and creativity in the face of adversity.
In practice
During an art exhibition, one could use this quote to highlight the importance of individual expression in artistic works.
It is plain that there is no separate essence called courage, no cup or cell in the brain, no vessel in the heart containing drops or atoms that make or give this virtue; but it is the right or healthy state of every man, when he is free to do that which is constitutional to him to do.
Few people have any next, they live from hand to mouth without a plan, and are always at the end of their line.
Men cease to interest us when we find their limitations
Tis the good reader that makes the good book; a good head cannot read amiss: in every book he finds passages which seem confidences or asides hidden from all else and unmistakeably meant for his ear.
The world belongs to the energetic.
Hast thou named all the birds without a gun?
I'm a great audience. I cry very easily. I suspend disbelief in two seconds.
In one dancing saloon I saw the only rational method of art criticism I have ever come across. Over the piano was printed a notice: 'Please do not shoot the pianist. He is doing his best.'
I have a real interest in pushing some of the limits of things that studios don't want to make.
The artist is the creator of beautiful things. To reveal art and conceal the artist is art's aim. The critic is he who can translate into another manner or a new material his impression of beautiful things.
I never got into making documentaries for any kind of success, because documentary careers are generally ones of prolonged failures.
Music is emotional, and you may catch a musician in a very unemotional mood or you may not be in the same frame of mind as the musician. So a critic will often say a musician is slipping.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.