The comic spirit is given to us in order that we may analyze, weigh, and clarify things in us which nettle us, or which we are outgrowing, or trying to reshape
Thornton WilderRead
But such occasions of excellence became less and less frequent. As her technique became sounder, [her] sincerity became less necessary.
Interpretation
As one's skills improve, the need for sincerity may diminish in creative expression.
This quote by Thornton Wilder suggests that as an artist's technique and skills become more refined and polished, there is a risk that the emotional authenticity that once fueled their work may become less pronounced. The balance between technical mastery and sincere expression is crucial, and this observation highlights the potential detachment that can occur when focusing too much on technique at the expense of genuine emotion.
In practice
In a discussion about the evolution of an artist's style over the years.
The comic spirit is given to us in order that we may analyze, weigh, and clarify things in us which nettle us, or which we are outgrowing, or trying to reshape
A man looks pretty small at a wedding, George. All those good women standing shoulder to shoulder, making sure that the knot's tied in a mighty public way.
Good-by, Good-by, world. Good-by, Grover's Corners... Mama and Papa. Good-by to clocks ticking... and Mama's sunflowers. And food and coffee. And new-ironed dresses and hot baths...and sleeping and waking up. Oh, earth, you're too wonderful for anybody to realize you.
When you're safe at home you wish you were having an adventure; when you're having an adventure you wish you were safe at home.
Many great writers have been extraordinarily awkward in daily exchange, but the greatest give the impression that their style was nursed by the closest attention to colloquial speech.
I want you to try and remember what it was like to have been very young. And particularly the days when you were first in love; when you were like a person sleepwalking, and you didn’t quite see the street you were in, and didn’t quite hear everything that was said to you. You’re just a little bit crazy. Will you remember that, please?
Music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul
I believe that Judy Garland's artistry was so fine. I mean, when people say: 'oh, she brought so much of her life to her music', I don't really believe that. I believe that she didn't have to. She just was a moving human being. That was her gift.
A song is the exultation of the mind dwelling on eternal things, bursting forth in the voice.
I first knew Laurie Lewis by her considerable reputation as a fiddle player and a writer of songs. When an opportunity came along to sing with her I seized it. Getting to know her as a singer and a person has been pure pleasure. Her voice is a rare combination of grit and grace, strength and delicacy. Her stories are always true.
I hope that I can make good music out of whatever genre I go into. Just to prove to myself that I can.
As a playwright, you are a torturer of actors and of the audience as well. You inflict things on people.
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