---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: That's what it is, this arrogance, in…"
description: "\"“That's what it is, this arrogance, in this flamenco music this same arrogance of suffering, listen. The strength of it's what's so overpowering, the s..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/96a/william-gaddis-7794_cybersecurity_that-s-what-it-is-this-arrogance-in-this_1269615.jpg"
---

#  That's what it is, this arrogance, in this flamenco music…

![“That's what it is, this arrogance, in this flamenco music this same arrogance of suffering, listen. The strength of it's what's so overpowering, the self-sufficiency that's so delicate and tender without an instant of sentimentality. With infinite pity, but refusing pity. It's a precision of…” quote by William Gaddis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/96a/william-gaddis-7794_cybersecurity_that-s-what-it-is-this-arrogance-in-this_1269615.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/96a/william-gaddis-7794_cybersecurity_that-s-what-it-is-this-arrogance-in-this_1269615.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/96a/william-gaddis-7794_cybersecurity_that-s-what-it-is-this-arrogance-in-this_1269615.jpg)

> ““That's what it is, this arrogance, in this flamenco music this same arrogance of suffering, listen. The strength of it's what's so overpowering, the self-sufficiency that's so delicate and tender without an instant of sentimentality. With infinite pity, but refusing pity. It's a precision of suffering, he went on, abruptly working his hand in the air as though to shape it there, --the tremendous tension of violence all enclosed in a framework...in a pattern that doesn't pretend to any other level but its own, do you know what I mean? He barely glanced at her to see if she did.--It's the privacy, the exquisite sense of privacy about it, he said speaking more rapidly, --it's the sense of privacy that most popular expressions of suffering don't have, don't dare have, that's what makes it arrogant.””

[William Gaddis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-gaddis/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Arrogant suffering in art is a precise, private intensity that avoids sentimentality, creating a powerful, delicate tension.

**In simple terms:** Art can be intensely private and powerful without sentiment.

Key Takeaway

Value the raw, precise expression of pain.

Themes

art suffering pride intimacy

Mood

intense thoughtful

Type

literary critical

When to use this quote

- painting
- music composition
- performance
- creative criticism

Key Concepts

aesthetics existentialism

Questions to Reflect On

- Can art be both arrogant and accessible?
- How does privacy shape artistic impact?

A Different Perspective

Such intensity may alienate audiences seeking comfort.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Arrogance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/arrogance/) [Arrogance Flamenco](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/arrogance-flamenco-4065197/) [Arrogance Suffering](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/arrogance-suffering-4065198/) [Cybersecurity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cybersecurity/) [Expressions Suffering](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/expressions-suffering-4065199/) [Music](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/music/) [Pride](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pride/) [Suffering Listen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/suffering-listen-4065200/)

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