Art Quote by Anonymous
“To write with taste, in the highest sense, is to write [...] so that no one commits suicide, no one despairs; to write [...] so that people understand, sympathize, see the universality of pain, and feel strengthened, if not directly encouraged to live on. If there is good to be said, the writer should say it. If there is bad to be said, he should say it in a way that reflects the truth that, though we see the evil, we choose to continue among the living. The true artist [...] gets his sense of worth and honor from his conviction that art is powerful--”
About This Quote
Source Essay: On the Responsibility of the Writer, 19th century literary criticism
The writer should convey truth and hope, presenting both good and bad without causing despair, emphasizing art’s power to sustain life.
In simple terms: Writers must balance truth with hope, avoiding despair.
Share truth compassionately, inspire resilience.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- journalism
- novel writing
- public speaking
- mental health advocacy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can writers present painful truths without causing despair?
- What role does hope play in artistic expression?
Balancing harsh truth with hope can be challenging for audiences.