I'd rather have two good friends, than 500,000 admirers.
E. E. CummingsRead
Whatever's merely willful, and not miraculous (be never it so skilful) must wither fail and cease - but better than to grow beauty knows no.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that mere skill without true creativity or inspiration will ultimately fail. True beauty transcends the limits of skill and is miraculous.
E. E. Cummings emphasizes the importance of genuine creativity and inspiration over mere technical skill. He implies that while skill can produce results, it lacks the essence of true beauty, which arises from a deeper, almost miraculous source. This reflects the idea that the most profound artistic expressions come not just from talent, but from a heart and mind engaged in a genuine act of creation, leading to something beautiful and lasting.
Themes
CreativityBeautySkillArtInspiration
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be shared in an art class to inspire students about the importance of creativity.
More from E. E. Cummings
All quotes βI'd rather learn from one bird how to sing than to teach ten thousand stars how not to dance.
E. E. CummingsRead
It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.
E. E. CummingsRead
When god decided to invent everything he took one reath bigger than a circustent and everything began
E. E. CummingsRead
The Artist is no other than he who unlearns what he has learned, in order to know himself.
E. E. CummingsRead
Nobody else can be alive for you; nor can you be alive for anybody else.
E. E. CummingsRead
Similar quotes
As a filmmaker, I believe in trying to make movies that invite the audience to be part of the film; in other words, there are some films where I'm just a spectator and am simply observing from the front seat. What I try to do is draw the audience into the film and have them participate in what's happening onscreen.
Peter JacksonRead
I have learned that there lies dormant in the souls of all men a penchant for some particular musical instrument an an unsuspected yearning to play on it, which are bound to wake up an demand attention someday. Therefore you who rail at such that disturb your slumbers with unsuccessful and demoralizing attempts to subjugate a guitar, beware! For sooner or later your own time will come.
Mark TwainRead
I am a member of the Muskogee people. I'm a poet, a musician, a dreamer of sorts, a questioner. Like everyone else, I'm looking for answers of some sort or the other.
Joy HarjoRead
You do not create a style. You work, and develop yourself; your style is an emanation from your own being.
Katherine Anne PorterRead
Every form of theatre has something in common with a visit to the doctor. On the way out, one should always feel better than on the way in.
Peter BrookRead
Music is for people. The word 'pop' is simply short for popular. It means that people like it. I'm just a normal jerk who happens to make music. As long as my brain and fingers work, I'm cool.
Eddie Van HalenRead