Jump off. You are a protected individual. Do not fear.
Henry MillerRead
The artist is the opposite of the politically minded individual, the opposite of the reformer, the opposite of the idealist. The artist does not tinker with the universe, he recreates it out of his own experience and understanding of life.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The artist creates from personal experience rather than trying to change society or conform to political ideals.
In this quote, Henry Miller emphasizes the distinction between artists and individuals driven by political motives or ideologies. He suggests that artists do not seek to reform or alter the world according to political agendas; instead, they offer their unique interpretations of existence drawn from their personal experiences and understanding of life. This perspective highlights the intrinsic value of art as a personal, subjective creation rather than a tool for societal change.
Themes
ArtistCreationExperienceLifeArtistic Expression
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in an art class to inspire students to draw from their personal experiences.
More from Henry Miller
All quotes →I saw through to the last sign and symbol, but I could not read her face. I could see only the eyes shining through, huge, fleshy-like luminous beasts, as though I were swimming behind them in the electric effluvia of her incandescent vision.
Henry MillerRead
The essential thing is to WANT to sing. This then is a song. I am singing.
Henry MillerRead
Great God! What have I turned into? What right have you people to clutter up my life, steal my time, probe my soul, suckle my thoughts, have me for your companion, confidant, and information bureau? What do you take me for? Am I an entertainer on salary, required every evening to play an intellectual farce under your stupid noses? Am I a slave, bought and paid for, to crawl on my belly in front of you idlers and lay at your feet all that I do and all that I know?
Henry MillerRead
We are swimming on the face of time and all else has drowned, is drowning, or will drown.
Henry MillerRead
To sing you must first open your mouth. You must have a pair of lungs, and a little knowledge of music. It is not necessary to have an accordion, or a guitar. The essential thing is to want to sing. This then is a song. I am singing.
Henry MillerRead
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