Women hock their jewels and their husbands' insurance…
“Women hock their jewels and their husbands' insurance policies to acquire an unaccustomed shade in hair or crêpe de chine. Why then is it that when anyone commits anything novel in the arts he should be always greeted by this same peevish howl of pain and surprise? One is led to suspect that the interest people show in these much talked of commodities, painting, music, and writing, cannot be very deep or very genuine when they so wince under an unexpected impact.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People resist novel art because it challenges expectations, causing discomfort and surprise.
In simple terms: Novel art provokes discomfort and surprise.
Key Takeaway
Embrace discomfort as a sign of meaningful art.
Themes
art resistance
novelty
cultural shock
expectation
discomfort
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- gallery openings
- film premieres
- literary releases
- fashion shows
- public debates
Key Concepts
aesthetic theory
social conformity
psychology of taste
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we fear unexpected artistic changes?
- How can creators ease audiences into novelty?
A Different Perspective
Not all discomfort leads to appreciation; some may reject outright.