Quotes With Meaning
I do strongly feel that among the greatest pieces of luck for high achievement is ordeal. Certain great artists can make out without it, Titian and others, but mostly you need ordeal. My idea is this: the artist is extremely lucky who is presented with the worst possible ordeal which will not actually kill him. At that point, he's in business: Beethoven's deafness, Goya's deafness, Milton's blindness, that kind of thing.
I do strongly feel that among the greatest pieces of luck for high achievement is ordeal. Certain great artists can make out without it, Titian and others, but mostly you need ordeal. My idea is this: the artist is extremely lucky who is presented with the worst possible ordeal which will not actually kill him. At that point, he's in business: Beethoven's deafness, Goya's deafness, Milton's blindness, that kind of thing.
The quote emphasizes that experiencing hardship is often essential for significant artistic achievement. Berryman suggests that while some artists may thrive without facing challenges, many others find that their struggles can drive their creativity and depth. He cites examples like Beethoven and Milton, whose personal ordeals shaped their extraordinary works. The idea reflects a mindset where adversity becomes a catalyst for growth and expression, allowing artists to tap into profound insights. Berryman's assertion indicates that enduring trials can enhance one's freedom to create authentically. Thus, encountering and overcoming difficulties can be a crucial part of the artistic journey.