As a working definition of art, I lean toward Tolstoy's…
““As a working definition of art, I lean toward Tolstoy's: "Art is a human activity having for it's purpose the transmission to other of the highest and best feelings to which mankind has risen." It seems to me that, regarding agrarian art, the farther it moves away from the natural world, especially when the main goal is money profits, the more difficult it becomes for it to reflect "the highest and best feelings" of humanity. The same is true of, of course, of agriculture itself. The farther it tries to remove itself from nature in search of money, the more it moves away from the highest and healthiest kinds of food.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Art and agriculture should convey humanity’s highest feelings; profit‑driven detachment from nature undermines this purpose.
In simple terms: True art and food reflect humanity’s best feelings; profit focus harms them.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize authenticity and ecological connection over profit.
Themes
art
agriculture
ethics
authenticity
environment
Mood
reflective
concerned
inspirational
Type
philosophical
ethical
cultural
When to use this quote
- organic farming
- community art projects
- educational workshops
- farm‑to‑table initiatives
Key Concepts
humanism
aesthetic value
sustainability
food quality
Questions to Reflect On
- How can creators balance financial needs with authentic expression?
- What practices reconnect food production with its cultural roots?
A Different Perspective
Profit motives can limit creative and nutritional integrity, especially in large‑scale industrial systems.