Art requires neither complaisance nor politeness; nothing but faith, faith and freedom

Art requires neither complaisance nor politeness; nothing but faith, faith and freedom

Gustave Flaubert, the renowned French novelist, is often associated with the quote, “Art requires neither complaisance nor politeness; nothing but faith, faith and freedom.” This quote encapsulates Flaubert’s belief in the purity and integrity of art, and his disdain for the constraints of societal expectations and conventions.

Flaubert was a staunch advocate for artistic freedom and authenticity. He believed that art should be created without any regard for pleasing others or conforming to societal norms. For Flaubert, art was a form of self-expression and a means of exploring the depths of human experience. He rejected the idea of art as a mere commodity or a tool for social validation. Instead, he saw art as a sacred and transcendent pursuit that required unwavering faith in one’s own creative vision.