Andre Maurois: '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.

Summarizing the quote by Andre Maurois, "An artist must be a reactionary. He has to stand out against the tenor of the age and not go flopping along," we understand that Maurois emphasizes the need for artists to be critical thinkers and challengers of societal norms. This quote speaks to the importance of artists going against the grain and not conforming to the prevailing cultural or artistic currents of their time. It encourages artists to express their unique perspectives and ideas, questioning the status quo and offering alternative viewpoints.Now, let's introduce an unexpected philosophical concept that adds further interest to the article - existentialism. Philosophically, existentialism delves into the subjective meaning and purpose of one's existence, emphasizing individual freedom, choice, and responsibility. By exploring the connection between Maurois' quote and existentialism, we can gain a deeper understanding of the artist's role in society.Existentialism highlights the notion that individuals must navigate the complexities of life by making authentic and individualistic choices. In line with this philosophy, an artist must not merely follow the established trends and mimic popular opinions, but instead, they should challenge the existing thought patterns and societal conventions. By doing so, they create their own unique paths, embodying the values of existentialism and asserting their individuality.The artist as a reactionary aligns with the existentialist belief that individuals should embrace their freedom and use it to resist conformity. By standing out against the "tenor of the age," artists become catalysts for change and progress. They inspire others to question the prevailing norms, encouraging a broader perspective and opening up a space for alternative ideas and innovations.Contrasting this idea, some might argue that artists should not actively seek to be reactionary, as it could lead to an overly antagonistic stance that hinders collaboration and understanding. They may argue that artists should strive for harmony and cooperation, rather than opposition. However, such a viewpoint overlooks the crucial role played by artists as cultural commentators and visionaries, who challenge existing paradigms and create new possibilities.By choosing to stand against the tenor of the age, artists can bring fresh insights and perspectives to the forefront. They create works that challenge and provoke, pushing society to reevaluate its values and beliefs. Often, it is through these artistic expressions that societal progress and enlightenment are achieved.When an artist chooses to be reactionary, they are not merely doing so for the sake of conflict or opposition. Instead, they are driven by a desire to challenge the norm, to disrupt, and to incite critical thinking. They act as necessary counterpoints to prevailing trends, ensuring that a diversity of voices can be heard and respected.In conclusion, Andre Maurois' quote emphasizes the importance of artists being reactive and standing against the conformity of their time. By introducing the concept of existentialism, we gain deeper insight into the artist's role in society. Existentialism highlights the need for individuals to make authentic choices and assert their individuality. Similarly, artists, by being reactionary, challenge societal norms, foster critical thinking, and inspire progress. While some may argue that artists should seek harmony and cooperation, it is through their opposition to the status quo that transformative change and artistic innovation can flourish.