Famous quote by Leonard Cohen

Mobile Desktop
Any startling piece of work has a subversive element in it, a delicious element often. Subversion is only disagreeable w
Like

"Any startling piece of work has a subversive element in it, a delicious element often. Subversion is only disagreeable when it manifests in political or social activity"

- Leonard Cohen

About this Quote

This quote by Leonard Cohen speaks to the power of creativity and art. He recommends that any innovative work that is genuinely remarkable has a subversive component to it, something that challenges the status quo and pushes limits. This element can be seen as a type of rebellion, however Cohen recommends that it is just disagreeable when it is utilized for political or social activity. He suggests that imaginative expression can be a powerful tool for challenging the status quo, however it needs to not be used to incite violence or hatred. Rather, it should be utilized to inspire and provoke thought. Innovative expression can be an effective tool for social change, but it must be used properly.

About the Author

Canada Flag This quote is written / told by Leonard Cohen somewhere between September 21, 1934 and today. He/she was a famous Musician from Canada. The author also have 13 other quotes.

Go to author profile

Similar Quotes

Small: A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: w
Lao Tzu
"A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves"
Lao Tzu, Author
Small: Talent in cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of
Stephen King
"Talent in cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work"
Stephen King, Author
Small: One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men. No machine can do the work of one extraordinary man - Elber
Elbert Hubbard
"One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men. No machine can do the work of one extraordinary man"
Elbert Hubbard, Writer
Small: Work spares us from three evils: boredom, vice, and need - Voltaire
Voltaire
"Work spares us from three evils: boredom, vice, and need"
Voltaire, Writer
Small: The best preparation for good work tomorrow is to do good work today - Elbert Hubbard
Elbert Hubbard
"The best preparation for good work tomorrow is to do good work today"
Elbert Hubbard, Writer
Small: I was married to Margaret Joan Howe in 1940. Although not a scientist herself she has contributed more to my w
Frederick Sanger
"I was married to Margaret Joan Howe in 1940. Although not a scientist herself she has contributed more to my work than anyone else by providing a peaceful and happy home"
Frederick Sanger, Scientist
Small: It is the quality of our work which will please God and not the quantity - Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi
"It is the quality of our work which will please God and not the quantity"
Mahatma Gandhi, Leader
Small: Simplicity and repose are the qualities that measure the true value of any work of art - Frank Lloyd Wright
Frank Lloyd Wright
"Simplicity and repose are the qualities that measure the true value of any work of art"
Frank Lloyd Wright, Architect
Small: There is joy in work. There is no happiness except in the realization that we have accomplished something - He
Henry Ford
"There is joy in work. There is no happiness except in the realization that we have accomplished something"
Henry Ford, Businessman
Small: The moment you think you understand a great work of art, its dead for you - Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde
"The moment you think you understand a great work of art, it's dead for you"
Oscar Wilde, Dramatist