Art Quote by Lionel Trilling
“We properly judge a critic's virtue not by his freedom from error but by the nature of the mistakes he does make, for he makes them, if he is worth reading, because he has in mind something besides his perceptions about art in itself - he has in mind the demands that he makes upon life.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Function of Criticism", 1962
A critic's worth lies in the nature of their mistakes, reflecting deeper concerns beyond mere artistic judgment.
In simple terms: Critic's value shown by their mistakes' meaning.
Key Takeaway
Look beyond surface errors.
Themes
criticism
art
philosophy
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
interpretive
philosophical
When to use this quote
- literary reviews
- film analysis
- cultural commentary
- academic discourse
Key Concepts
interpretation
subjectivity
ethical responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- What do a critic's errors reveal?
- How can readers discern valuable critique?
A Different Perspective
Mistakes may stem from bias or limited perspective.
