Great artistic talent in any direction... is hardly inherent to the man. It comes and goes; it is often possessed only for a short phase in his life; it hardly ever colors his character as a whole and has nothing to do with the moral and intellectual stuff of the mind and soul. Many great artists, perhaps most great artists, have been poor fellows indeed, whom to know was to despise.

Summary

This quote highlights the notion that great artistic talent is not necessarily a reflection of an individual's character or inherent qualities. The quote suggests that artistic ability is transient, not consistently possessed throughout one's life, and does not define or influence a person's overall moral or intellectual attributes. It emphasizes the fact that many renowned artists have led challenging and less distinguished lives, often contrasting the perception of their art. Essentially, the quote challenges the notion that artistic talent is inherent or indicative of personal worth.

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