The comic spirit is given to us in order that we may analyze, weigh, and clarify things in us which nettle us, or which we are outgrowing, or trying to reshape
Thornton WilderRead
But such occasions of excellence became less and less frequent. As her technique became sounder, [her] sincerity became less necessary.
Interpretation
What this quote means
As one's skills improve, the need for sincerity may diminish in creative expression.
This quote by Thornton Wilder suggests that as an artist's technique and skills become more refined and polished, there is a risk that the emotional authenticity that once fueled their work may become less pronounced. The balance between technical mastery and sincere expression is crucial, and this observation highlights the potential detachment that can occur when focusing too much on technique at the expense of genuine emotion.
Themes
ExcellenceTechniqueSincerityArtistic ExpressionMastery
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the evolution of an artist's style over the years.
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Thornton WilderRead
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