Good people Quote by Paul Valery
““I am now going to make an admission. I confess, I agree, that all these good people who protested, who laughed, who did not perceive what we perceived, were in a quite legitimate position. Their opinion was quite in order. One must not be afraid to say that the kingdom of letters is only a province of the vast empire of entertainment. One picks up a book, one puts it aside; and even when one cannot put it down one very well understands that this interest is related to the facility of pleasure. That is to say that every effort of a creator of beauty or of fantasy should be bent, by the very essence of his work, on contriving for the public pleasure which demands no effort, or almost none. It is through the public that he should deduce what touches, moves, soothes, animates or enchants the public. There are however several publics; amongst whom it is not impossible to find some people who do not conceive of pleasure without pain, who do not like to enjoy themselves without paying, and who are not happy if their happiness is not in some part their own contrivance through which they wish to realize what it costs them. ””
About This Quote
The author argues that literature must serve public pleasure, acknowledging that different audiences have varying expectations about effort and cost in enjoyment.
In simple terms: Literature should entertain while respecting diverse audience expectations.
Key Takeaway
Balance artistic intent with audience pleasure.
Themes
Art vs. entertainment
Audience expectations
Pleasure economics
Public perception
Literary purpose
Mood
Reflective
Critical
Thoughtful
Type
Philosophical
Critical essay
Literary commentary
When to use this quote
- Teaching literary criticism
- Writing for mass media
- Analyzing cultural reception
- Developing marketing strategies for books
- Discussing artistic responsibility
Key Concepts
Public pleasure
Creative intent
Audience diversity
Cost of enjoyment
Practical Applications
- Designing content that engages readers
- Guiding authors on audience-centered storytelling
Questions to Reflect On
- How do creators gauge the right level of effort for their audience?
- What responsibilities do artists have to different public segments?
A Different Perspective
Some argue that literature should challenge readers, not merely provide effortless pleasure.
