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Blessed be the inventor of photography! I set him above…

“Blessed be the inventor of photography! I set him above even the inventor of chloroform! It has given more positive pleasure to poor suffering humanity than anything else that has ''cast up'' in my time or is like to -- this art by which even the ''poor'' can possess themselves of tolerable…” quote by Jane Welsh Carlyle
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“Blessed be the inventor of photography! I set him above even the inventor of chloroform! It has given more positive pleasure to poor suffering humanity than anything else that has ''cast up'' in my time or is like to -- this art by which even the ''poor'' can possess themselves of tolerable likenesses of their absent dear ones. And mustn't it be acting favorably on the morality of the country?”

Jane Welsh Carlyle

About This Quote

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

Celebrates photography as a moral and uplifting art that preserves likenesses of loved ones, especially for the poor.

In simple terms: Photography offers comfort and moral benefit by capturing images of absent loved ones.

Key Takeaway

Value and support artistic mediums that bring comfort to society.

Themes

art technology human connection morality

Mood

reflective appreciative

Type

cultural inspirational

When to use this quote

  • family remembrance
  • historical documentation
  • artistic expression
  • social welfare
  • cultural heritage

Key Concepts

photography visual representation emotional solace

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does photography influence our perception of memory?
  • Can art always be morally beneficial?
A Different Perspective

Art may be inaccessible to some and can raise privacy concerns.

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