Quote by Vicomte De Chateaubriand
Without taste genius is only a sublime kind of folly. That sure touch which the lyre gives back the right note and nothing more, is even a rarer gift than the creative faculty itself.
Summary
This quote implies that having genius or creative talent alone is not sufficient. Taste, or the ability to discern and appreciate what is truly excellent in art or music, is what distinguishes true genius from mere foolishness. The quote emphasizes that possessing the skill to precisely recreate beautiful music (referring to the "sure touch" of the lyre), without adding unnecessary flair, is an even more exceptional gift than the ability to create original works. Ultimately, it highlights the importance of having taste in addition to creative abilities in order to achieve true greatness in artistic endeavors.