We know that the tail must wag the dog, for the horse is drawn by the cart; But the Devil whoops, as he whooped of old: 'It's clever, but is it Art?'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker mocks the idea that cleverness equals art, suggesting practical utility often drives creation.
- In plain terms
- Just because something works well does not mean it is art.
- What can you take from it?
- Distinguish between utility and artistic value.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is useful work art?
- What defines art?
Another view
Utility and art can overlap significantly.
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