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Artist Quote by Jean-Paul Sartre

“That of War and Peace or of Almagestes. All are satisfactory. The only criterion of a work is its validity: that it should grip and that it should last.” quote by Jean-Paul Sartre
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“That of War and Peace or of Almagestes. All are satisfactory. The only criterion of a work is its validity: that it should grip and that it should last.”

Jean-Paul Sartre

About This Quote

Source Essay: Literary criteria, 1945

A work’s value lies in its ability to engage and endure, not in subject matter.

In simple terms: A good work must grip and last.

Key Takeaway

Seek lasting impact over fleeting novelty.

Themes

literature aesthetics validity

Mood

contemplative inquisitive

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • book selection
  • academic study
  • creative writing

Key Concepts

engagement longevity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you measure a work’s lasting power?
  • What makes a story timeless?
A Different Perspective

Popularity does not guarantee lasting significance.

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