The really important kind of freedom involves...being able truly to care about other people...
David FosterRead
I am uncompromising to the point of huge dissension in the studio. And it's served me very well. My theory and my philosophy is, 'Compromise breeds mediocrity.' Obviously, you have to pick your battles, and the more success an artist has, the more they want to be involved in their own career, which is not necessarily a good thing.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Staying true to one's vision is essential for artistic integrity, but it can lead to conflict.
David Foster suggests that a strong commitment to one's artistic beliefs and visions, even when it leads to disagreements, is crucial for maintaining quality and originality in art. He warns, however, that while artists should remain dedicated to their craft, they must also be cautious as increased success can complicate their involvement in creative decisions.
Themes
ArtCreativityCompromiseIntegritySuccess
In practice
Example use cases
In an artist's talk, to highlight the importance of staying true to one's vision.
More from David Foster
All quotes →Don't be too precious about your craft... there's only 26 letters and 12 notes, and Shakespeare and Beethoven said it all better than any of us ever will
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CPR to those elements of what’s human and magical that still live and glow despite the times’ darkness.
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We all suffer alone in the real world; true empathy's impossible.
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Gentlemen, welcome to the world of reality – there is no audience. No one to applaud, to admire. No one to see you. Do you understand? Here is the truth – actual heroism receives no ovation, entertains no one. No one queues up to see it. No one is interested.
David FosterRead
This is what the real, no bullshit value of your liberal arts education is supposed to be about: how to keep from going through your comfortable, prosperous, respectable adult life dead, unconscious, a slave to your head and to your natural default setting of being uniquely, completely, imperially alone day in and day out.
David FosterRead
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