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About this quote

What does it mean?
Welles argues that artists must remain independent from prevailing trends to be authentic.
In plain terms
Artists should not conform to current trends or be part of the mainstream.
What can you take from it?
Authenticity requires resisting the pressure to fit in with popular opinion.

Where it applies

  • creative work
  • cultural criticism
  • personal values

Putting it to work

  • resist peer pressure
  • develop unique voice
  • question trends

Questions to consider

  • Is it better to be misunderstood than popular?
  • Can you be an artist without standing out?

Another view

Sometimes being in step with the times helps an artist reach an audience.

More from Orson Welles

  1. I hate television. I hate it as much as I hate peanuts. But I can't stop eating peanuts.

    Permalink to quote #19

  2. Man is a rational animal who always loses his temper when called upon to act in accordance with the dictates of reason.

    Permalink to quote #21

  3. Gluttony is not a secret vice.

    Permalink to quote #18

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