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About this quote

What does it mean?
Historically art served faith; now faith is often just a tool to show artistic skill.
In plain terms
Art used to express belief but now belief is used to show off art.
What can you take from it?
Ensure your tools serve your values, not the other way around.

Where it applies

  • art criticism
  • religious study
  • craft

Putting it to work

  • examine your motivations
  • prioritize purpose

Questions to consider

  • Does your work serve a belief or just show skill?
  • What is your true priority?

Another view

Skill itself can be a valid focus regardless of subject.

More from John Ruskin

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  3. How false is the conception, how frantic the pursuit, of that treacherous phantom which men call Liberty.

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