Quote by Edmond de Goncourt
One of the proud joys of the man of letters --if that man of letters is an artist is to feel within himself the power to immortalize at will anything he chooses to immortalize. Insignificant though he may be, he is conscious of possessing a creative divinity. God creates lives; the man of imagination creates fictional lives which may make a profound and as it were more living impression on the world's memory.
Summary
This quote emphasizes the satisfaction and pride that comes with being a writer or artist. It suggests that their ability to immortalize anything through creation, whether trivial or extraordinary, grants them a sense of power and divinity. While acknowledging their own insignificance, the artist recognizes their unique gift of bringing fictional characters to life, leaving a lasting impact on the world and its collective memory. This reflects the profound influence of imagination and storytelling in shaping our understanding and perception of reality.