The world is a king, and like a king, desires flattery in return for favor; but true art is selfish and perverse - it will not submit to the mold of flattery.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Beethoven argues true art refuses to compromise with flattery or worldly demands.
- In plain terms
- True art is selfish and does not like flattery.
- What can you take from it?
- Art should not compromise for approval.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When do you compromise for approval?
- What is true art?
Another view
Artists often need audience support to survive.
More from Ludwig van Beethoven
Art! Who comprehends her? With whom can one consult concerning this great goddess?
Permalink to quote #3 Plaudite, amici, comedia finita est. (Applaud, my friends, the comedy is over.)
Permalink to quote #5 There ought to be but one large art warehouse in the world, to which the artist could carry his art-works, and from which he could carry away whatever he neede…
Permalink to quote #2
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