Art Quote by William Saroyan
““Wars, for us, are either inevitable, or created. Whatever they are, they should not wholly vitiate art. What art needs is greater men, and what politics needs is better men. (Something About a Soldier (1940))””
About This Quote
Source Book: Something About a Soldier (1940)
The quote argues that war is either inevitable or created, but art must rise above it, needing great men, while politics needs better men.
In simple terms: War is inevitable or created; art needs great men, politics needs better men.
Key Takeaway
Support art and politics with strong character.
Themes
war
art
politics
humanity
leadership
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- art education
- political leadership
- civic engagement
- cultural criticism
Key Concepts
philosophy
ethics
aesthetics
Questions to Reflect On
- What defines a “greater” man?
- How can art resist war’s influence?
A Different Perspective
Art may be co‑opted by propaganda.
