What is important, then, is not that the critic should possess a correct abstract definition of beauty for the intellect, but a certain kind of temperament, the power of being deeply moved by the presence of beautiful objects.

Summary

This quote suggests that what matters most in a critic is not their ability to define beauty intellectually, but their capacity to be emotionally impacted by the presence of beautiful things. It implies that a critic's temperament, their sensitivity and emotional response towards aesthetics, is more vital than an abstract and detached understanding of what beauty is. In other words, the ability to truly appreciate and be moved by beauty is more important than a theoretical understanding of it.

Topics