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Art Quote by Vladimir Nabokov

“A work of art has no importance whatever to society. It is only important to the individual, and only the individual reader is important to me. I don't give a damn for the group, the community, the masses, and so forth.” quote by Vladimir Nabokov
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“A work of art has no importance whatever to society. It is only important to the individual, and only the individual reader is important to me. I don't give a damn for the group, the community, the masses, and so forth.”

Vladimir Nabokov

About This Quote

Source Novel: Ada, Vladimir Nabokov, 1969

Art's value lies solely in personal experience; communal relevance is irrelevant.

In simple terms: Art matters only to the individual.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize personal interpretation.

Themes

artistic individualism subjectivity creativity elitism

Mood

introspective defiant

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal reading
  • art criticism
  • creative writing
  • educational curricula

Key Concepts

aesthetic theory existentialism literary criticism

Questions to Reflect On

  • Should art engage society?
  • How does personal taste shape artistic value?
A Different Perspective

Neglecting societal impact may limit art's broader significance.

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