Skip to content

Art Quote by Robert Louis Stevenson

“A proposition of geometry does not compete with life; and a proposition of geometry is a fair and luminous parallel for a work of art. Both are reasonable, both untrue to the crude fact; both inhere in nature, neither represents it.” quote by Robert Louis Stevenson
Download Open image
“A proposition of geometry does not compete with life; and a proposition of geometry is a fair and luminous parallel for a work of art. Both are reasonable, both untrue to the crude fact; both inhere in nature, neither represents it.”

Robert Louis Stevenson

About This Quote

The passage suggests that geometric propositions, like art, are abstract representations that do not fully capture reality, yet both serve as useful, illuminating parallels.

In simple terms: Geometry and art are abstract, not literal, but helpful.

Key Takeaway

Use abstract models to understand reality, knowing their limits.

Themes

abstraction art geometry philosophy

Mood

analytical inquisitive

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • science
  • design
  • education
  • critical thinking

Key Concepts

representation parallelism limitations

Questions to Reflect On

  • What are the limits of abstract models?
  • How can art and geometry inform each other?
A Different Perspective

It may ignore practical nuances of real-world applications.

4.5 out of 5 (9 ratings)

More by Robert Louis Stevenson

Explore all 701 Robert Louis Stevenson quotes

More Art quotes

Browse all 48,652 Art quotes