Accustomed Quote by Jacques Barzun
“We are accustomed to the artist scoundrel or specialist in vice, and unaccustomed to the creator in whom passion and reason and moral integrity hold in balance. But greatness of intellect and feeling, or soul and conduct - magnanimity, in short - does occur; it is not a myth for boy scouts, and its reality is important, if only to give us the true range of the term "human," which we so regularly define by its lower reaches.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Essays on the Human Condition, Jacques Barzun, 1970
The quote argues that society often stereotypes artists as immoral, overlooking creators who balance passion, reason, and integrity, and that true greatness is real and essential for understanding humanity.
In simple terms: Society mislabels artists; true greatness balances passion, reason, and morality.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and value balanced creators.
Themes
human nature
creativity
integrity
stereotypes
greatness
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- education
- leadership
- art criticism
- personal development
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we foster balanced creativity in institutions?
- What barriers prevent recognizing moral integrity in artists?
A Different Perspective
The ideal may be hard to achieve in a world that rewards sensationalism.
