Art is the symbol of the two noblest human efforts: to construct and to refrain from destruction.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Art represents the highest human endeavors: building things up and avoiding the act of destroying them.
- In plain terms
- Art shows our best work: creating and not destroying.
- What can you take from it?
- True art balances creation with restraint from harm.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is destruction ever artistic?
- What makes an effort noble?
Another view
It simplifies art to only these two specific actions.
More from Evelyn Waugh
Your action, and your action alone, determines your worth.
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