--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: People think I am being modest when I…" description: "\"“People think I am being modest when I tell them I know absolutely nothing about art. But if they show me a piece of student work, I won't have the sli..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/00c/daniel-quinn-1786_art_people-think-i-am-being-modest-when-i-te_2373661.png" --- # People think I am being modest when I tell them I know… ![“People think I am being modest when I tell them I know absolutely nothing about art. But if they show me a piece of student work, I won't have the slightest idea whether it's art or even "good". What I do know is whether such things hang or stand in the houses of the rich - or in the museums where…” quote by Daniel Quinn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/00c/daniel-quinn-1786_art_people-think-i-am-being-modest-when-i-te_2373661.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/00c/daniel-quinn-1786_art_people-think-i-am-being-modest-when-i-te_2373661.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/00c/daniel-quinn-1786_art_people-think-i-am-being-modest-when-i-te_2373661.png) > ““People think I am being modest when I tell them I know absolutely nothing about art. But if they show me a piece of student work, I won't have the slightest idea whether it's art or even "good". What I do know is whether such things hang or stand in the houses of the rich - or in the museums where the rich allow their treasures to be seen. And when people understand this, they'll instantly agree with what I said in the first place, that I know absolutely nothing about art.”” [Daniel Quinn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-quinn/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. He claims his ignorance about art is evident when he cannot judge student work, yet he can tell where rich display art. **In simple terms:** He admits he knows nothing about art but can spot where the rich display it. Key Takeaway Recognize the difference between expertise and social context. Themes humility art criticism social status Mood reflective critical skeptical Type analytical philosophical When to use this quote - museum visits - art market analysis - education - social gatherings Key Concepts class perception cultural capital Questions to Reflect On - Do you judge art by its setting? - How does wealth influence your perception of art? A Different Perspective His claim may be seen as elitist, reducing art to wealth symbols. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Art](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/art/) [Artist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/artist/) [First place](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/first-place/) ## Related quotes > [It would be nice if at least 1/3 of the people in Korea think that I'm modest.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/seungri/it-would-be-nice-if-at-least-1-3-of-the-people-in-korea-think-that-i/) [Seungri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/seungri/) > [I don't think I'm modest so much as I'm realistic. I know what I can do and what I can't do. 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