2nd July
There is no other domain where the words of our language are so misused as in the criticism of art, especially of false art.
A work of art makes a great impression on us only when it gives us something which, even with all the efforts of our intellect, we cannot understand completely.
— Arthur Schopenhauer
Art has such an impact on people that many strange things can happen in their souls: mysteries become clearer; opaque things become evident; complicated things become simple; what is probable becomes necessary. A real artist always simplifies.
— Henri Amiel
Remember that you cannot do anything wonderful driven by competition; you cannot do anything noble from pride.
— John Ruskin
There are two very clear indications of real science and real art: the first inner sign is that a scholar or an artist works not for profit, but for sacrifice, for his calling; the second, outer sign is that his works are understandable to all people. Real science studies and makes accessible that knowledge which people at that period of history think important, and real art transfers this truth from the domain of knowledge to the domain of feelings.
Creating art is not as elevated a thing as many people guess, but certainly it is a useful and kind thing to do, especially if it brings people together and arouses kind feelings in them.