Books Quote by Marcel Proust
““There are certain original and distinguished authors in whom the least ‘freedom of speech’ is thought revolting because they have not begun by flattering the public taste, and serving up to it the commonplace expressions to which it is used;””
About This Quote
Source Book: In Search of Lost Time, Marcel Proust, 1913
Critiques the idea that true artistic freedom is hindered by catering to popular taste and conventional language.
In simple terms: Artists lose authenticity when they pander to the masses.
Key Takeaway
Value originality over popularity.
Themes
art
freedom of speech
authenticity
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- publishing
- teaching
- media criticism
Key Concepts
conformity
creative integrity
public taste
Questions to Reflect On
- How does audience expectation shape artistic expression?
- Can originality thrive without some public appeal?
A Different Perspective
Even popular works can inspire profound insight.
![“For her [Françoise], wealth was like a necessary condition without which virtue would lack both merit and charm. She made so little distinction between the two that she came to see their qualities as interchangeable, expecting material comfort from virtue and moral edification from wealth.” quote by Marcel Proust](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/573/marcel-proust-114_character_for-her-fran-oise-wealth-was-like-a-nece_2687.jpg)
