Academic Quote by George Steiner
“To a degree which is difficult to determine, the esoteric impulse in twentieth-century music, literature and the arts reflects calculation. It looks to the flattery of academic and hermeneutic notice. Reciprocally, the academy turns towards that which appears to require its exegetic, cryptographic skills.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Death of Tragedy" by George Steiner, 1992
The quote suggests that modern avant‑garde art seeks academic approval, while scholars chase works that demand complex interpretation.
In simple terms: Artists chase scholarly praise; scholars chase complex art.
Key Takeaway
Recognize mutual influence and seek balance.
Themes
art
academia
interpretation
culture
elitism
Mood
critical
reflective
analytical
Type
commentary
theoretical
observational
When to use this quote
- University curricula
- art criticism
- creative commissions
- grant proposals
- curatorial decisions
Key Concepts
Hermeneutics
cryptography
aesthetic theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this dynamic shape what is considered valuable art?
- Can art be both intellectually rigorous and emotionally accessible?
A Different Perspective
May prioritize intellectual showmanship over emotional resonance.
