None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.
Henry David ThoreauRead
It is something to be able to paint a particular picture, or to carve a statue, and so to make a few objects beautiful; but it is far more glorious to carve and paint the very atmosphere and medium through which we look, which morally we can do. To affect the quality of the day, that is the highest of arts.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Art is not just about creating beautiful objects; it's about impacting the world and the way we perceive it.
In this quote, Thoreau emphasizes that true artistry goes beyond the creation of beautiful physical objects, such as paintings or sculptures. Instead, he argues that the greatest form of artistry lies in the ability to influence and enhance the quality of our daily experiences and environments, thereby shaping the way we perceive the world around us. This reflects a deeper understanding of art's role in enriching human life and consciousness.
Themes
ArtBeautyPerceptionExperienceInfluence
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about creativity at a conference, one could use this quote to highlight the deeper purpose of art in society.
More from Henry David Thoreau
All quotes →Through want of enterprise and faith men are where they are, buying and selling and spending their lives like servants.
Henry David ThoreauRead
An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.
Henry David ThoreauRead
Have no mean hours, but be grateful for every hour, and accept what it brings. The reality will make any sincere record respectable.
Henry David ThoreauRead
As every season seems best to us in its turn, so the coming in of spring is like the creation of Cosmos out of Chaos and the realization of the Golden Age.
Henry David ThoreauRead
That grand old poem called Winter
Henry David ThoreauRead
Similar quotes
Preparing a character is the opposite of building-it is a demolishing, removing brick by brick everything in the actor's muscles, ideas and inhibitions that stands between him and the part, until one day, with a great rush of air, the character invades his every pore.
Peter BrookRead
You need music, I don't know why. It's probably one of those Joe Campbell questions, why we need ritual. We need magic, and bliss, and power, myth, and celebration and religion in our lives, and music is a good way to encapsulate a lot of it.
Jerry GarciaRead
Whenever I make music, it reflects where I'm at mentally.
Kendrick LamarRead
Beauty without expression is boring.
Ralph Waldo EmersonRead
My friend George and I were walking on the beach in Norfolk, and there were thousands of [razor-clam] shells. They were so beautiful, I thought I had to do something with them. So, we decided to make [a dress] out of them. . . . The shells had outlived their usefulness on the beach, so we put them to another use on a dress. Then Erin [O’Conner] came out and trashed the dress, so their usefulness was over once again. Kind of like fashion, really.
Alexander McqueenRead
Language upon a silvered tongue affords enchantment enough.
Salman RushdieRead