It is an old trick. The playgoer who does not like dirty…
“It is an old trick. The playgoer who does not like dirty plays is denounced as a prude; the music-lover who resents cacophony is told he is a pedant; and in all these matters the final crushing blow administered to the man of discrimination is the ascription to him of a hidebound prejudice against things that are new because they are new.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Critics often dismiss new art as prejudice, labeling openness as naivety.
In simple terms: New ideas face unfair criticism.
Key Takeaway
Recognize bias against novelty.
Themes
art criticism
prejudice
open‑mindedness
culture
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
Blow:1
Cacophony:1
Crush:1
Dirty:1
Discrimination:1
Doe:1
Finals:1
He man:1
Lovers:1
Matter:1
Men:1
Music lover:1
Pedants:1
Play:1
Prejudice:1
Prudes:1
Resent:1
Tricks:1
Dirty Plays:1
Plays Denounced:1
Denounced Prude:1
Playgoer Does:1
Prude Music:1
When to use this quote
- film reviews
- music critique
- literary analysis
- art education
Key Concepts
conservatism
innovation
taste
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we label unfamiliar art as 'bad'?
- How can we foster openness?
A Different Perspective
Dismissal of novelty can stifle progress.