QuoteProject
The dignity of the artist lies in his duty of keeping awake the sense of wonder in the world. In this long vigil he often has to vary his methods of stimulation; but in this long vigil he is also himself striving against a continual tendency to sleep.
Marc Chagall
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Artists have a responsibility to inspire wonder and curiosity in the world, despite the challenges they face to remain motivated.

This quote by Marc Chagall emphasizes the important role of artists in society, highlighting their duty to awaken and maintain a sense of wonder among people. Chagall notes that while artists must adapt their approaches to keep this spark alive, they also confront their own struggles with complacency, underscoring the continuous effort required to inspire and engage others creatively.

Themes

ArtistWonderInspirationDutyCreativity

In practice

Example use cases

A speaker at an art exhibition might use this quote to emphasize the importance of creativity in engaging the audience.

More from Marc Chagall

I adore the theater and I am a painter. I think the two are made for a marriage of love. I will give all my soul to prove this once more.
Marc ChagallRead
If I create from the heart, nearly everything works; if from the head, almost nothing.
Marc ChagallRead
Art must be an expression of love or it is nothing.
Marc ChagallRead
Color is vibration like music; everything is vibration.
Marc ChagallRead
If all life moves inevitably towards its end, then we must, during our own, colour it with our colours of love and hope.
Marc ChagallRead
For me a stained glass window is a transparent partition between my heart and the heart of the world.
Marc ChagallRead

Similar quotes

I am happy to be a regional writer. My region is the American West, old Mexico, West Virginia, New York, Europe, Australia, the human heart, and the male groin.
Edward AbbeyRead
There's a reason poets often say, 'Poetry saved my life,' for often the blank page is the only one listening to the soul's suffering, the only one registering the story completely, the only one receiving all softly and without condemnation.
Clarissa Pinkola EstesRead
To express what is the most moral, healthful and beautiful in art this is the mission of the dancer, and to this I dedicate my life.
Isadora DuncanRead
To draw you must close your eyes and sing.
Pablo PicassoRead
To the question, ‘Is the cinema an art?’ my answer is, ‘what does it matter?’... You can make films or you can cultivate a garden. Both have as much claim to being called an art as a poem by Verlaine or a painting by Delacroix… Art is ‘making.’ The art of poetry is the art of making poetry. The art of love is the art of making love... My father never talked to me about art. He could not bear the word.
Jean RenoirRead
Creation comes before distribution -- or there will be nothing to distribute.
Ayn RandRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.