Achievement Quote by Robertson Davies
“The truth is that art does not teach; it makes you feel, and any teaching that may arise from the feeling is an extra, and must not be stressed too much. In the modern world, and in Canada as much as anywhere, we are obsessed with the notion that to think is the highest achievement of mankind, but we neglect the fact that thought untouched by feeling is thin, delusive, treacherous stuff.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Role of Feeling in Art, 1973
Art primarily evokes emotion; any intellectual insight is secondary and should not dominate the experience
In simple terms: Art makes you feel first, thought comes later
Key Takeaway
Prioritize emotional response over didactic intent
Themes
aesthetics
emotion
education
philosophy
Mood
contemplative
inspired
thoughtful
Type
artistic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- museum visits
- film watching
- music listening
- creative writing
- therapy sessions
Key Concepts
affect theory
embodied cognition
aesthetic experience
Questions to Reflect On
- What emotions does a piece of art stir in you?
- How can we balance feeling and thought in artistic appreciation?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on intellectual analysis can diminish the visceral power of art
