Art Quote by Plato
““There is also a third kind of madness, which is possession by the Muses, enters into a delicate and virgin soul, and there inspiring frenzy, awakens lyric…But he, who, not being inspired and having no touch of madness in his soul, comes to the door and thinks he will get into the temple by the help of art--he, I say, and his poetry are not admitted; the sane man is nowhere at all when he enters into rivalry with the madman.””
About This Quote
Source Dialogue: Phaedrus, Plato, c. 370 BC
Artistic inspiration can be a divine frenzy that only the truly inspired can access; those lacking it cannot force entry through technique alone.
In simple terms: True inspiration is a divine gift, not a skill to be forced.
Key Takeaway
Seek genuine inspiration, not forced technique.
Themes
creativity
inspiration
divine madness
artistic rivalry
Mood
reflective
introspective
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- Poetry composition
- musical performance
- visual art creation
- literary criticism
Key Concepts
Plato's philosophy
Muses
madness
artistic authenticity
Questions to Reflect On
- Can you cultivate a receptive soul for inspiration?
- How does rivalry affect creative output?
A Different Perspective
Even inspired artists may struggle without discipline; inspiration alone may be fleeting.
