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We weren’t idealistic about much, we children of the…

“We weren’t idealistic about much, we children of the 1950s, but we were certainly idealistic about art. We went into it with the highest kind of ambition — not to get rich or to impress women, but to make our mark as Proust and Joyce had made their mark.” quote by John Updike
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““We weren’t idealistic about much, we children of the 1950s, but we were certainly idealistic about art. We went into it with the highest kind of ambition — not to get rich or to impress women, but to make our mark as Proust and Joyce had made their mark.””

John Updike

About This Quote

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

Artists of the 1950s pursued lofty creative goals rather than material success, seeking lasting literary impact.

In simple terms: Artists aimed for lasting impact over wealth.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize artistic legacy.

Themes

art ambition legacy

Mood

reflective determined

Type

inspirational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • writing careers
  • film direction
  • visual arts
  • music composition

Key Concepts

literary influence creative idealism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can creators balance integrity with commercial demands?
  • What defines a lasting artistic mark?
A Different Perspective

Idealism can clash with market pressures.

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