Art Quote by Vladimir Nabokov
““To call a story a true story is an insult to both art and truth.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Gift, Vladimir Nabokov, 1938
Calling a narrative a true story disrespects artistic imagination and factual accuracy alike.
In simple terms: Labeling fiction as truth harms both art and reality.
Key Takeaway
Respect the distinction between art and fact.
Themes
art
truth
fiction
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- literary analysis
- media criticism
- education
- publishing
Key Concepts
literary criticism
philosophy of art
Questions to Reflect On
- How does labeling a story as true affect its reception?
- Can fiction convey truth in ways facts cannot?
A Different Perspective
Some argue that fiction can reveal deeper truths than factual reporting.
![“...under no circumstances would he [Humbert Humbert] have interfered with the innocence of a child, if there was the least risk of a row.” quote by Vladimir Nabokov](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0f0/vladimir-nabokov-198_children_under-no-circumstances-would-he-humbert_16228.jpg)
