Art Quote by Honore de Balzac
“If the artist does not fling himself, without reflecting, into his work, as Curtis flung himself into the yawning gulf, as the soldier flings himself into the enemy's trenches, and if, once in this crater, he does not work like a miner on whom the walls of his gallery have fallen in; if he contemplates difficulties instead of overcoming them one by one ... he is simply looking on at the suicide of his own talent.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Le Père Goriot by Honoré de Balzac, 1835
An artist must immerse fully, confronting challenges head‑on, lest his talent waste away.
In simple terms: Full commitment prevents wasted talent.
Key Takeaway
Commit completely, confront obstacles.
Themes
commitment
artistry
overcoming adversity
self‑discipline
Mood
determined
reflective
Type
motivational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- painting
- sculpture
- performance art
- personal projects
Key Concepts
existentialism
creative struggle
work ethic
Questions to Reflect On
- What fear holds you back from full immersion?
- How does confronting difficulty shape your art?
A Different Perspective
Talent can still be stifled by hesitation.
