Gustave Flaubert: 'You can calculate the worth of a man by the number of his enemies, and the importance of a work of art by the harm that is spoken of it.'

You can calculate the worth of a man by the number of his enemies, and the importance of a work of art by the harm that is spoken of it.

Gustave Flaubert, the renowned French novelist, once made a thought-provoking statement that continues to resonate with us today: "You can calculate the worth of a man by the number of his enemies, and the importance of a work of art by the harm that is spoken of it." At its core, this quote emphasizes the significance and impact of both individuals and creative endeavors. Flaubert suggests that the presence of adversaries serves as a measure of one's value, while the extent of criticism directed towards a work of art reflects its significance. However, beyond this straightforward interpretation lies a fascinating philosophical concept that delves into the nature of human perception and the complexities of art.Our society tends to associate popularity with worth, believing that a person's value is determined by the number of friends they have or the level of admiration they receive. Flaubert's perspective challenges this conventional notion by asserting that it is the number of enemies, rather than friends, that denotes a person's true worth. This concept sparks contemplation about the nature of enemies and why their existence may act as a metric for our value. Enemies are often a product of conflicting ideologies, jealousy, or personal disagreements. The more enemies one has, the more likely it is that they hold strong convictions, challenge societal norms, or rise above the mediocrity of conformity. In this sense, Flaubert suggests that true worth comes not from seeking universal approval but from daring to be oneself, even if it means attracting adversaries along the way.This idea, although seemingly paradoxical, echoes the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche, who proposed the concept of the "will to power." According to Nietzsche, individuals who dared to embrace their uniqueness and pursued their desires vehemently would inevitably encounter strong resistance from others. This opposition not only signifies the courageous individual's ability to challenge the status quo but also reflects their ability to provoke others into asserting their own values and beliefs. In this way, the number of enemies that a person accumulates is the result of their ability to inspire change and push boundaries, ultimately exemplifying their worth.On the other hand, Flaubert extends this philosophy to the realm of art, claiming that the importance of a work can be measured by the harm spoken of it. This implies that the value of a piece of art lies not only in its aesthetic or technical qualities but also in its potential to disrupt prevailing norms, offend established tastes, and challenge accepted ideologies. Creative works that elicit strong reactions, whether positive or negative, have a lasting impact on society. They force us to reconsider our perspectives, provoke conversations, and shape cultural shifts.This perspective shares similarities with the concept of "the sublime" in aesthetics, as proposed by the philosopher Immanuel Kant. According to Kant, the sublime is an experience of awe, fear, and overwhelm derived from encountering something beyond the scope of our understanding. The sublime has the power to transcend the boundaries of reason and elicit a range of emotions, including admiration, discomfort, and even horror. Flaubert's notion aligns with this concept, suggesting that the more harm spoken of a work of art, the more it possesses the potential to evoke those sublime emotions and challenge our preconceived notions.In summary, Gustave Flaubert's quote invites us to reconsider our understanding of worth and importance. It suggests that the value of a person can be measured by the number of enemies they accumulate, highlighting the significance of embracing individuality and challenging societal expectations. Furthermore, Flaubert extends this notion to the realm of art, claiming that the harm spoken of a work serves as an indicator of its significance. Ultimately, these ideas resonate with Nietzsche's "will to power" and Kant's concept of the sublime, emphasizing the power of individuals and creative works to provoke change, inspire emotions, and shape our collective psyche. Flaubert's words serve as a reminder that being unafraid to provoke and disrupt is often the catalyst for profound impact and lasting legacies.