Real Artist by Robert Heinlein

Mmm, one does have to learn to look at art. But it's up to the artist to use language that can be understood. Most of these jokers don't want to use language you and I can learn; they would rather sneer because we 'fail' to see what they are driving at. If anything. Obscurity is the refuge of incompetence. 'Artist' is a word I avoid for the same reason, I hate to be called 'Doctor.' # But I am an artist. Most of my stuff is worth reading only once. And not even once by a person who knows the little I have to say. But I am an honest artist. What I write is intended to reach the customer - and affect him, if possible with pity and terror... or at least divert the tedium of his hours. I never hide from him in a private language, nor am I seeking praise from other writers for 'technique' or other balderdash. I want praise from the customer, given in cash because I've reached him - or I don't want anything. Support for the arts - merde! A government-supported artist is an incompetent whore!

(Robert Heinlein, Stranger in a Strange Land)

 

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# "I don't like to be called 'Doctor'"
"Sir?"
"Oh, I'm not offended. But when they began handling out doctorates for comparative folk dancing and advanced flyfishing, I became too stinkin' proud to use the title. I won't touch watered whiskey and take no pride in watered-down degrees. Call me Jubal."