Art Quote by William Faulkner
““The writer's only responsibility is to his art. He will be completely ruthless if he is a good one... If a writer has to rob his mother, he will not hesitate; the Ode on a Grecian Urn is worth any number of old ladies.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Sound and the Fury, 1929
An artist must prioritize artistic integrity over moral or societal expectations, even if it demands harsh choices.
In simple terms: Art over duty.
Put art first.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- writing
- publishing
- financial pressure
- personal sacrifice
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Is compromising art ever justified?
- How do you balance integrity with survival?
Art may alienate audiences or sponsors.