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Composers aren't daring enough. They're afraid of that…

“Composers aren't daring enough. They're afraid of that sacred idol called 'common sense', which is the most dreadful thing I know - after all, it's no more than a religion founded to excuse the ubiquity of imbeciles!” quote by Claude Debussy
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“Composers aren't daring enough. They're afraid of that sacred idol called 'common sense', which is the most dreadful thing I know - after all, it's no more than a religion founded to excuse the ubiquity of imbeciles!”

Claude Debussy

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Composers fear common sense, treating it like a religion that excuses mediocrity.

In simple terms: Fear of the obvious limits creativity.

Key Takeaway

Challenge conventional norms.

Themes

creativity conformity artistic integrity

Mood

critical provocative

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • composer workshops
  • art school curricula
  • public debates

Key Concepts

cultural critique aesthetic standards

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does “common sense” stifle in art?
  • When is tradition beneficial?
A Different Perspective

Common sense can also guide useful structure.

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