Tonight, tonight, won't be just any night. Tonight there will be no morning star.
Stephen SondheimRead
If people have split views about your work, I think it's flattering. I'd rather have them feel something about it than dismiss it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Having mixed opinions about your work indicates that it provokes thought and emotion, which is a positive response.
Stephen Sondheim suggests that if his work elicits strong, polarized reactions, it can be seen as a compliment. Rather than seeking universal approval, he values the impact that his art has on people, as even disagreement means his creation has sparked a conversation.
Themes
ArtOpinionImpactEmotionCreativity
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about controversial films, one might quote Sondheim to highlight the value of strong reactions.
More from Stephen Sondheim
All quotes βAfter the Rodgers and Hammerstein revolution, songs became part of the story, as opposed to just entertainments in between comedy scenes.
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Let Pirelli's / Miracle Elixir / Activate your roots, sir... Keep it off your boots, sir- / Eats right through. Yes, get Pirelli's! / Use a bottle of it! / Ladies seem to love it... Flies do, too!
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Art, in itself, is an attempt to bring order out of chaos.
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Careful the spell you cast, not just on children. Sometimes the spell may last Past what you can see And turn against you... Careful the tale you tell. That is the spell.
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