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If it were not for the intellectual snobs who pay - in solid cash - the arts would perish with their starving practitioners. Let us thank heaven for hypocrisy.
Aldous Huxley
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote highlights the irony of how financial support for the arts often comes from those who may not genuinely appreciate it, emphasizing the necessity of such support for artists to survive.

Aldous Huxley's quote critiques the relationship between wealth and the arts, suggesting that the support artists receive often originates from individuals who may be considered 'intellectual snobs.' This support, despite its questionable sincerity, is crucial for the survival of the arts and their creators, who might otherwise struggle to make a living. In this way, Huxley provocatively calls for a gratitude towards this perceived hypocrisy, as it ultimately helps sustain artistic expression.

Themes

ArtHypocrisySupportFinancialIntellectual

In practice

Example use cases

During a speech at an arts funding gala, this quote can be used to highlight the importance of financial contributions to the arts.

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