"The progress of an artist is a continual self-sacrifice, a continual extinction of personality"

T.S. Eliot's quote, "The development of an artist is a continual self-sacrifice, a consistent extinction of character", highlights the paradoxical nature of artistic development and production. This statement can be seen as a reflection on how artists develop by suppressing their own subjectivity and uniqueness to accomplish greater universal expression in their work.

Firstly, Eliot refers to the notion of "self-sacrifice". The idea here is that artists often put aside individual desires, comfort, and in some cases financial stability in the pursuit of their art. This sacrifice isn't merely about concrete offerings however involves delving deeper into their own awareness and experiences, often baring their inmost emotions and thoughts to an audience. In doing so, artists often abandon aspects of their personal lives and ego, subjecting their inner selves to examination and improvement.

The "continual termination of character" recommends that artists, in their quest for quality, aim to go beyond personal biases or constraints. Eliot indicates that a really mature artist's work is not merely a reflection of their own personality or scenarios but instead resonates at a level that exceeds individual singularities. This extinction enables the artist to link more deeply with the human condition at big, filtering their unique experiences into more generally relatable and impactful art.

Furthermore, Eliot's view could also be translated as a critique of art that is extremely self-indulgent or self-referential. By deemphasizing personal quirks, the artist strips away ego-driven inspirations, consequently attaining a purer form of expression. By doing so, the artist allows the work itself to speak, allowing it to end up being something greater than the amount of the artist's individual experiences.

In essence, Eliot highlights the transformative and typically tough journey artists go through. It is a process where individuality is consistently pared back in favor of a more comprehensive human truth, permitting their work to resonate throughout time and culture, discussing universal themes that talk to audiences on an emotional and intellectual level.