Art Quote by Howard Jacobson
““Art is made by those who consider themselves to have failed at whatever isn’t art. And of course it is loved as consolation, or a call to arms, by those who feel the same. One of the reasons there seem to be fewer readers for literature today than there were yesterday is that the concept of failure has been outlawed. If we are all beautiful, all clever, all happy, all successes in our way, what do we want with the language of the dispossessed? But the nature of failure ensures that writers will go on writing no matter how many readers they have. You have to master the embarrassments and ignominies of life.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Guardian, 2015
Artists embrace failure, using it as fuel for creation and connection with the marginalized.
In simple terms: Failure drives artistic honesty and solidarity.
Key Takeaway
Embrace imperfection in creative work.
Themes
creativity
failure
solidarity
authenticity
Mood
reflective
defiant
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- writing
- visual arts
- performance
- community building
Key Concepts
existentialism
cultural critique
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does acknowledging failure shape your creative voice?
- What role does shared struggle play in audience connection?
A Different Perspective
Failure can lead to self-doubt and alienation if not balanced with self-compassion.
