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It is sometimes said that the artist who clings to his ideals and refuses to degrade both his aims and his art at the bidding of a harsh commercialism will most likely find scorn and starvation for his lot. I am not inclined to accept this statement, although I know well that it is partly true. It is not fair to make such a hasty, all-sweeping generalization. I think it fairer to say that the genius often has to content himself with some crumbs gathered by working for the appreciative few, rather than earning a better subsistence at the expense of the wider clientele which naturally prefers mediocrity. Nor is the latter always to be blamed.

-- Notebooks Category 14: The Arts in Culture > Chapter 1 : Appreciation > # 159