Single Idea 2163

[catalogued under 21. Aesthetics / C. Artistic Issues / 6. Value of Art]

Full Idea

We are right to refuse admission to artists in any community which is going to respect convention, because he destroys the rational mind and feeds the irrational - it is like destroying good citizens by giving ruffians power.

Gist of Idea

Artists should be excluded from a law-abiding community, because they destroy the rational mind

Source

Plato (The Republic [c.371 BCE], 605b)

Book Reference

Plato: 'Republic', ed/tr. Waterfield,Robin [OUP 1993], p.358