I can't bear art that you can walk round and admire. A book should be either a bandit or a rebel or a man in the crowd

I can't bear art that you can walk round and admire. A book should be either a bandit or a rebel or a man in the crowd

David Herbert Lawrence, known for his controversial and provocative works, was a writer who believed in the power of art to challenge societal norms and provoke thought. His quote, "I can't bear art that you can walk round and admire. A book should be either a bandit or a rebel or a man in the crowd," reflects his disdain for art that is merely decorative or pleasing to the eye. Lawrence believed that true art should be disruptive, subversive, and thought-provoking.

Lawrence's own works, such as "Lady Chatterley's Lover" and "Sons and Lovers," were considered scandalous and controversial in their time for their exploration of sexuality, class dynamics, and the human psyche. He was unafraid to tackle taboo subjects and challenge the status quo, believing that art should push boundaries and challenge conventional thinking.

For Lawrence, a book should not simply be a pretty object to be admired, but rather a force to be reckoned with. It should be a bandit, stealing into the reader's consciousness and challenging their beliefs. It should be a rebel, defying societal norms and pushing the boundaries of what is considered acceptable. It should be a man in the crowd, standing out from the masses and daring to be different.

In today's world, where art is often commodified and sanitized for mass consumption, Lawrence's words serve as a reminder of the power of art to provoke, challenge, and inspire. His belief in the transformative power of literature and the arts is a call to artists and creators to push the boundaries of what is considered acceptable and to challenge the status quo.