Art Quote by Karen Blixen
““No,” he said after a pause, “the true art of the gods is the comic. The comic is a condescension of the divine to the world of man; it is the sublime vision, which cannot be studied, but must ever be celestially granted. In the comic the gods see their own being reflected as in a mirror, and while the tragic poet is bound by strict laws, they will allow the comic artist a freedom as unlimited as their own. They do not even withhold their own existence from his sports. Jove may favor Lucianos of Samosata. As long as your mockery is in true godly taste you may mock at the gods and still remain a sound devotee. But in pitying, or condoling with your god, you deny and annihilate him, and such is the most horrible of atheisms.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Art of the Comic, by Karen Blixen, 1930
The comic allows divine freedom and mirrors humanity, contrasting with tragic constraints.
In simple terms: Comedy offers divine freedom and mirrors humanity.
Key Takeaway
Value humor as a divine gift.
Themes
creativity
freedom
divine
humor
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- writing comedy
- performing
- teaching
- art critique
Key Concepts
artistic expression
philosophy
theology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can humor honor the sacred?
- When does satire become disrespect?
A Different Perspective
Humor may be misinterpreted as disrespect.
