F. Scott Fitzgerald: 'Great art is the contempt of a great man for small art.'

Great art is the contempt of a great man for small art.

In his iconic quote, F. Scott Fitzgerald captures the essence of what it means to be a creator and conveys the significance of greatness in art. "Great art is the contempt of a great man for small art." At first glance, this statement may seem paradoxical or even dismissive, as it suggests that true artistic greatness lies in the rejection of lesser forms of expression. However, delving deeper into its meaning, one discovers a profound insight into the mindset and motivations of exceptional artists.In a straightforward interpretation, Fitzgerald tells us that a great artist possesses disdain, even contempt, for small or insignificant art. This contempt does not necessarily stem from arrogance, but rather from a burning passion for their craft and a relentless pursuit of perfection. It reflects the artist's refusal to settle for mediocrity or to be limited by the boundaries of conventionalism. Great art, according to Fitzgerald, emerges when an artist dares to dream beyond the ordinary, unafraid to challenge existing norms and push the boundaries of creativity.Nevertheless, to fully grasp the subtlety and depth of this quote, let's introduce an unexpected philosophical concept – that of the dichotomy between the microcosm and the macrocosm. In philosophical terms, the microcosm represents the small, mundane, and commonplace aspects of life, while the macrocosm encompasses the grand, infinite, and extraordinary. Expanding upon Fitzgerald's quote, we can explore how great art exists precisely at the intersection of these two realms, defying the limitations of the small to embrace the vastness of the big.When a great artist feels contempt for small art, they are dismissing the banality and triviality that often permeate artistic expressions limited to the microcosm. By no means does this imply that small art is worthless or unworthy of appreciation; it simply suggests that artists driven by a thirst for greatness seek to transcend the limitations of the everyday. Great art, therefore, becomes a liberating force, enabling creators to transcend the mundane and connect with the profound truths that underpin human experience.This concept of embracing the macrocosm opens up vast avenues for exploration within art. It encourages artists to tap into the universal rather than the individual, to express timeless emotions rather than fleeting sensations. Great art delves into the depths of the human condition, compelling us to confront our own existence and contemplate the mysteries of life. It broadens our horizons, allowing us to see beyond the confines of our immediate reality and dive into the vastness of the macrocosm.However, it is important to note that not all art aspires to be great. There is a vast spectrum of artistic expressions, and each serves its purpose in connecting with audiences in various ways. Small art, which may refer to daily doodles, light entertainment, or purely decorative pieces, fulfills its own role by offering comfort, distraction, or amusement. It is not necessarily inferior to great art but perhaps softer, more accessible, and less demanding of our attention and introspection.Ultimately, the quote by F. Scott Fitzgerald reminds us that greatness in art arises from the disdain for small art. It highlights the ambition and audacity of exceptional artists who strive to transcend the limitations of the everyday, seeking to capture the essence of the human experience and connect with the universal truths that lie within us all. By embracing the macrocosm and dismissing the banality of the microcosm, great art expands our horizons, challenges our perceptions, and enriches our lives. So, as both creators and appreciators of art, let us dare to dream beyond the small and embrace the boundless possibilities of the great.