Artist Quote by Conrad Aiken
“He whose first emotion, on the view of an excellent work, is to undervalue or depreciate it, will never have one of his own to show.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Art of Criticism, 1930
People who dismiss great works as unimportant will never create great work themselves.
In simple terms: Dismissing excellence prevents personal achievement.
Key Takeaway
Value excellence to inspire your own work.
Themes
criticism
creativity
self‑esteem
Mood
reflective
cautious
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- art criticism
- creative writing
- personal development
- teaching
- leadership
Key Concepts
self‑deception
valuation
motivation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does dismissing others affect your growth?
- What standards do you hold for your own work?
A Different Perspective
If you constantly undervalue others, you may miss learning opportunities.
