Professional critics are incapable of distinguishing and appreciating either diamonds in the rough or gold in bars. They are traders, and in literature know only the coins that are current. Their critical lab has scales and weights, but neither crucible or touchstone.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Commercial critics lack the depth to appreciate true literary value.
- In plain terms
- Critics often miss great art because they focus on trends.
- What can you take from it?
- True value isn't always obvious to the market.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you judge art?
- Is commercial success a good measure?
Another view
It generalizes all critics as shallow.
More from Joseph Joubert
Politeness is the flower of humanity.
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