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
What this quote means
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.
Themes
ExcellenceTechniqueSincerityArtistic ExpressionMastery
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the evolution of an artist's style over the years.
More from Thornton Wilder
All quotes →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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
Thornton WilderRead
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