Art Quote by Nathaniel Hawthorne
““Ideas, which grow up within the imagination and appear so lovely to it and of a value beyond whatever men call valuable, are exposed to be shattered and annihilated by contact with the practical.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne, 1850
Imagination creates beautiful ideas, but practicality can destroy them.
In simple terms: Practicality can crush imagination.
Key Takeaway
Balance creativity with realistic action.
Themes
creativity
practicality
conflict
Mood
reflective
cautious
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- innovation
- project planning
- artistic work
Key Concepts
philosophy
artistic expression
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you protect ideas from harsh reality?
- When is practicality essential?
A Different Perspective
Rigid practicality may stifle necessary risk‑taking.
