I do strongly feel that among the greatest pieces of luck…
“I do strongly feel that among the greatest pieces of luck for high achievement is ordeal. Certain great artists can make out without it, Titian and others, but mostly you need ordeal. My idea is this: the artist is extremely lucky who is presented with the worst possible ordeal which will not actually kill him. At that point, he's in business: Beethoven's deafness, Goya's deafness, Milton's blindness, that kind of thing.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Great artistic achievement often follows severe personal trials; such hardships can sharpen creativity, though not all artists require them.
In simple terms: Artists often grow stronger after severe challenges.
Key Takeaway
Seek growth through adversity, but recognize other paths.
Themes
creativity
adversity
luck
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- visual arts
- music composition
- personal development
Key Concepts
psychology of art
resilience
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you think hardship is essential for greatness?
- How can we support artists who lack dramatic trials?
A Different Perspective
Some artists thrive without hardship, suggesting multiple routes to excellence.