The dignity of the artist lies in his duty of keeping awake the sense of wonder in the world. In this long vigil he often has to vary his methods of stimulation; but in this long vigil he is also himself striving against a continual tendency to sleep.

Summary

This quote highlights the role of artists in society. It suggests that artists have the responsibility to remind people of the awe-inspiring aspects of the world. By continuously finding new ways to inspire and awaken a sense of wonder in others, artists prevent the world from becoming mundane and unappreciated. However, the quote also acknowledges that artists face the challenge of staying engaged and creative themselves, as they strive to counter their own natural inclination towards apathy or indifference.

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