Famous quote by Christopher Hampton

"A great number of the disappointments and mishaps of the troubled world are the direct result of literature and the allied arts. It is our belief that no human being who devotes his life and energy to the manufacture of fantasies can be anything but fundamentally inadequate"

About this Quote

This quote by Christopher Hampton offers an intriguing review on the role of literature and the arts in society. At its core, the quote recommends that literature and the allied arts (such as theater, music, and visual arts) are not only naturally linked to the failures and troubles of the world, however also that those who devote their lives to these imaginative pursuits are somehow lacking or incomplete.

To start with, Hampton's assertion that the "disappointments and accidents of the troubled world are the direct outcome of literature and the allied arts" provides a radical perspective. Typically, art and literature are considered reflective mediums that talk about society or deal escapism instead of cause social ills. However, Hampton implies that these innovative kinds do more than show society; they may accidentally or straight form it in negative ways. This view posits that the stories, ideologies, and fantasies propagated by literature and the arts might lead people or societies astray, adding to widespread dissatisfaction or misfortune.

Additionally, when Hampton claims that those participated in the "manufacture of fantasies" are "basically inadequate", he challenges the concept of the artist as a visionary or a precursor of fact. Instead, he suggests that people who immerse themselves in the creation of alternative truths may be detached from the useful, 'real' world. This might be analyzed as a critique of the viewed self-indulgence or escapism related to artistic undertakings. By labeling these people as "insufficient", Hampton concerns their capability to handle concrete, real-world problems in a significant way.

In general, Hampton's quote stirs argument about the function and obligation of literature and the arts in society. It challenges the reader to consider whether these imaginative forms offer important insights and solutions or whether they sidetrack from or intensify the genuine obstacles that society faces.

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About the Author

United Kingdom Flag This quote is from Christopher Hampton somewhere between January 26, 1946 and today. He/she was a famous Playwright from United Kingdom. The author also have 7 other quotes.
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