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In judging of a beautiful statue, the aesthetic faculty is…

“In judging of a beautiful statue, the aesthetic faculty is absolutely and completely gratified by the splendid curves of those marble lips that are dumb to our complaint, the noble modelling of those limbs that are powerless to help us.” quote by Oscar Wilde
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“In judging of a beautiful statue, the aesthetic faculty is absolutely and completely gratified by the splendid curves of those marble lips that are dumb to our complaint, the noble modelling of those limbs that are powerless to help us.”

Oscar Wilde

About This Quote

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

Aesthetic appreciation is fulfilled by beautiful forms, even when they cannot respond to our needs.

In simple terms: Beauty satisfies us regardless of utility.

Key Takeaway

Value art for its intrinsic beauty.

Themes

aesthetics beauty art appreciation

Mood

contemplative melancholic

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • museum visits
  • architectural tours
  • design critique
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

philosophy of art subjective experience

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can art be both beautiful and functional?
  • When does aesthetic pleasure outweigh utility?
A Different Perspective

Beauty may not address practical concerns.

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