Socrates told us, "the unexamined life is not worth living." I think he's calling for curiosity, more than knowledge. In every human society at all times and at all levels, the curious are at the leading edge.
Roger EbertRead
I was indeed a snob, if you agree with this definition: 'A person who believes that their tastes in a particular area are superior to those of other people.' I do believe that. Not superior to all other people, but to some, most probably including those who think Transformers: Revenge of The Fallen is a great film. That is not simply ego on my part. It is a faith that after writing and teaching about films for more than 40 years, my tastes are more evolved than those of a fanboy.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the author's belief in the superiority of refined tastes over popular opinions in art, particularly cinema.
Roger Ebert addresses the concept of snobbery in the context of artistic taste, claiming that while he may hold a higher opinion of his own cinematic preferences, this viewpoint is based on years of experience and knowledge in film criticism. He recognizes that his tastes may be seen as elitist, but argues that they come from a place of informed discernment rather than mere arrogance.
Themes
TasteSnobberyFilmCriticismArt
In practice
Example use cases
In a film studies class discussing the merits of various movies, you might use this quote to express an informed opinion.
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I was born inside the movie of my life. The visuals were before me, the audio surrounded me, the plot unfolded inevitably but not necessarily. I don't remember how I got into the movie, but it continues to entertain me.
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There are no guarantees. But there is also nothing to fear. We come from oblivion when we are born. We return to oblivion when we die. The astonishing thing is this period of in-between.
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Parents and schools should place great emphasis on the idea that it is all right to be different. Racism and all the other 'isms' grow from primitive tribalism, the instinctive hostility against those of another tribe, race, religion, nationality, class or whatever. You are a lucky child if your parents taught you to accept diversity.
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