Art Quote by Joyce Cary
““B-but, Mr Jimson, I w-want to be an artist.' 'Of course you do,' I said, 'everybody does once. But they get over it, thank God, like the measles and the chickenpox. Go home and go to bed and take some hot lemonade and put on three blankets and sweat it out.' 'But Mr J-Jimson, there must be artists.' 'Yes, and lunatics and lepers, but why go and live in an asylum before you're sent for? If you find life a bit dull at home,' I said, 'and want to amuse yourself, put a stick of dynamite in the kitchen fire, or shoot a policeman. Volunteer for a test pilot, or dive off Tower Bridge with five bob's worth of roman candles in each pocket. You'd get twice the fun at about one-tenth of the risk.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The House of God by Joyce Cary, 1954
The speaker mocks the romantic notion of becoming an artist, suggesting that most people settle into mundane life and only a few pursue dangerous, unconventional paths.
In simple terms: People often settle for normalcy; only a few seek extreme thrills.
Key Takeaway
Embrace ordinary life or seek safe creative outlets.
Themes
conformity
creativity
risk
societal expectations
Mood
cynical
darkly humorous
reflective
Type
aphilosophical
satirical
When to use this quote
- career choices
- artistic pursuits
- risk assessment
- personal fulfillment
Key Concepts
existentialism
rebellion
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you need danger to be creative?
- How can you channel artistic drive safely?
A Different Perspective
Extreme actions are not necessary for artistic fulfillment.
