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About this quote

What does it mean?
The wealthy pay artists to soothe the victims they have harmed.
In plain terms
Rich people pay singers to comfort those they hurt.
What can you take from it?
Art can be used to mask guilt from oppression.

Where it applies

  • cultural critique
  • wealth gaps
  • public events

Putting it to work

  • call out hypocrisy
  • support independent art
  • seek justice

Questions to consider

  • Who comforts the victims?
  • Why pay for consolation?

Another view

Not all art serves the wealthy.

More from Bertolt Brecht

  1. Spring is noticed, if at all By people sitting in railway trains.

    Permalink to quote #47
  2. All the gang of those who rule us Hope our quarrels never stop Helping them to split and fool us So they can remain on top.

    Permalink to quote #49
  3. The rain Never falls upwards. When the wound Stops hurting What hurts is The scar.

    Permalink to quote #46

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