Skip to content

Art Quote by Paul Robeson

“The talents of an artist, small or great, are God-given. They've nothing to do with the private person; they're nothing to be proud of. They're just a sacred trust... Having been given, I must give. Man shall not live by bread alone, and what the farmer does I must do. I must feed the people…” quote by Paul Robeson
Download Open image
“The talents of an artist, small or great, are God-given. They've nothing to do with the private person; they're nothing to be proud of. They're just a sacred trust... Having been given, I must give. Man shall not live by bread alone, and what the farmer does I must do. I must feed the people - with my songs.”

Paul Robeson

About This Quote

Source Speech: Public address, Paul Robeson, 1940s

Artistic talent is a divine gift, not a personal boast, but a responsibility to serve others through one's work.

In simple terms: Talent is a gift to share, not to brag about.

Key Takeaway

Use your gifts to help others.

Themes

responsibility service humility art faith

Mood

reflective inspirational serene

Type

philosophical motivational spiritual

When to use this quote

  • teaching
  • public performance
  • community outreach
  • cultural preservation

Key Concepts

divine gift social duty creative expression

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you turn personal talent into communal benefit?
  • What responsibilities come with creative gifts?
A Different Perspective

Talent alone does not guarantee impact without humility and action.

4.9 out of 5 (7 ratings)

More by Paul Robeson

Explore all 80 Paul Robeson quotes

More Art quotes

Browse all 48,643 Art quotes