Art Quote by William H. Bates
““Most human beings are, unfortunately, ugly enough without putting glasses upon them, and to disfigure any of the really beautiful faces that we have with such contrivances is surely as bad as putting an import tax upon art. As for putting glasses upon a child it is enough to make the angels weep.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Art of Spectacle, 1915
Bates argues that glasses distort natural beauty and are as harmful as corrupting art with taxes, especially on children, evoking sorrow.
In simple terms: Glasses hide true beauty and harm children.
Key Takeaway
Avoid unnecessary cosmetic alterations.
Themes
beauty
appearance
children
society
art
Mood
reflective
critical
empathetic
Type
philosophical
social commentary
When to use this quote
- fashion choices
- parenting decisions
- media influence
- personal self‑image
Key Concepts
aesthetics
social criticism
cultural norms
Questions to Reflect On
- Do we value natural appearance over functional aid?
- How does society balance aesthetics and practicality?
A Different Perspective
Glasses can also aid vision and confidence, making the critique nuanced.
