Ah! let not Censure term our fate our choice, The stage but echoes back the public's voice; The drama's laws the drama's patrons give, For we that live to please must please to live.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Artists must please their audience to survive, even if critics disapprove.
- In plain terms
- To make a living, artists must please the public.
- What can you take from it?
- Audience approval often dictates artistic survival.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who should art serve?
- Can you survive without applause?
Another view
Artistic vision can sometimes defy the public.
More from Samuel Johnson
Declamation roared, while Passion slept.
Permalink to quote #32 Let observation with extensive view Survey mankind, from China to Peru.
Permalink to quote #34 Cold approbation gave the ling'ring bays, For those who durst not censure, scarce could praise.
Permalink to quote #31
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