An artist must be a reactionary. He has to stand out against the tenor of the age and not go flopping along

An artist must be a reactionary. He has to stand out against the tenor of the age and not go flopping along

André Maurois, a renowned French author and biographer, once famously said, "An artist must be a reactionary. He has to stand out against the tenor of the age and not go flopping along." This statement encapsulates the essence of what it means to be a true artist - someone who challenges the status quo, pushes boundaries, and dares to be different in a world that often values conformity.

In today's fast-paced and ever-changing society, it is easy for artists to get swept up in the current trends and popular styles of the time. However, Maurois reminds us that true artistry lies in being a reactionary - someone who resists the pressures to conform and instead chooses to create work that is bold, innovative, and thought-provoking.

Being a reactionary does not mean simply going against the grain for the sake of it. It means having a deep understanding of the cultural, social, and political context in which one is creating art, and using that knowledge to challenge and critique the prevailing norms and values of society. It means being unafraid to take risks, to experiment, and to push the boundaries of what is considered acceptable or mainstream.

Maurois himself was a prime example of an artist who embodied this spirit of rebellion and innovation. As a prolific writer and biographer, he was known for his keen insights into human nature, his sharp wit, and his ability to capture the essence of his subjects in a way that was both profound and engaging. His works often challenged conventional wisdom and offered fresh perspectives on the world around him.