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Ashamed Quote by Norman Rockwell

“The Balopticon [a machine that projects photos on canvas to trace the lines] is an evil, inartistic, habit-forming, lazy and vicious machine! It also is a useful, time-saving, practical and helpful one. I use one often-and am thoroughly ashamed of it. I hide it whenever I hear people coming.” quote by Norman Rockwell
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“The Balopticon [a machine that projects photos on canvas to trace the lines] is an evil, inartistic, habit-forming, lazy and vicious machine! It also is a useful, time-saving, practical and helpful one. I use one often-and am thoroughly ashamed of it. I hide it whenever I hear people coming.”

Norman Rockwell

About This Quote

Source Speech: Interview on artistic tools, 1970s

The device can be both detrimental and beneficial, fostering laziness yet offering efficiency, creating an inner conflict for the user.

In simple terms: It can be both harmful and helpful, causing shame but saving time.

Key Takeaway

Balance use, avoid overreliance.

Themes

art technology ethics productivity

Mood

guilt pragmatic reflective

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • studio work
  • personal projects
  • deadline pressure
  • learning new techniques

Key Concepts

habit formation creative process tool paradox

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does this tool affect your creative growth?
  • When is it appropriate to use it?
A Different Perspective

It may erode skill development if relied on excessively.

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