Myself I cannot see the persistence of the artist type. I…
““Myself I cannot see the persistence of the artist type. I see no need for the individual man of genius in such an order. I see no need for martyrs. I see no need for vicarious atonement. I see no need for the fierce preservation of beauty on the part of a few. Beauty and Truth do not need defenders, nor even expounders. No one will ever have a lien on Beauty and Truth; they are creations in which all participate. They need only to be apprehended; they exist externally. Certainly, when we think of the conflicts and schisms which occur in the realm of art, we know that they do not proceed out of love of Beauty or Truth. Ego worship is the one and only cause of dissension, in art as in other realms. The artist is never defending art, but simply his own petty conception of art. Art is as deep and high and wide as the universe. There is nothing but art, if you look at it properly. It is almost banal to say so yet it needs to be stressed continually: all is creation, all is change, all is flux, all is metamorphosis.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The author argues that beauty and truth are universal, not owned by any individual or artist; ego drives artistic conflict, while art itself is ever‑changing and all‑encompassing.
In simple terms: Beauty and truth belong to everyone; ego causes artistic disputes.
Key Takeaway
Recognize art as a shared, evolving experience.
Themes
art
truth
ego
universality
change
Mood
contemplative
analytical
inspirational
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- Art criticism
- creative collaboration
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
Collective creation
philosophical relativism
impermanence
Questions to Reflect On
- How does ego shape your creative work?
- Can art be truly collective?
A Different Perspective
Dismissal of personal artistic identity may overlook individual expression.