For the theatre one needs long arms; it is better to have them too long than too short. An artiste with short arms can never, never make a fine gesture.

Summary

This quote suggests that in the context of theater, having "long arms" metaphorically represents having a wide range of abilities and skills. It implies that it is better to possess an abundance of talents and capabilities, even if some of them are not utilized, rather than lacking them altogether. Specifically, it emphasizes the importance of using body language and gestures to convey emotions and meaning on stage. A performer with limited physical expressiveness, represented by "short arms," would struggle to effectively communicate and create a captivating performance.

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