http://musefree.wordpress.com/2008/02/26/the-critic-and-the-creator/ Musings, dreams, thoughtcrimes. Sat, 30 Aug 2008 05:54:58 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=MU hourly 1 http://musefree.wordpress.com/2008/02/26/the-critic-and-the-creator/#comment-218 Abhishek Wed, 27 Feb 2008 18:14:54 +0000 http://musefree.wordpress.com/?p=122#comment-218 Yes, but he explains later. Taken out of context it sounds more scathing than it is, especially the last sentence. Nonetheless the passage illustrates Hardy's belief in the innate worth of any kind of creative achievement (art, mathematics, writing) and his profound sadness that (at the time he was writing this) he no longer had the ability to create mathematics at the highest level, and he would never get that ability back again. He is certainly not contemptuous of the acts of criticism or exposition - he recognizes them as fine, necessary activities - he merely asserts that the act of creating something permanent and wonderful (like a great painting) is in a certain sense superior to the act of criticizing or dissecting another's creation. I agree with that sentiment. Yes, but he explains later. Taken out of context it sounds more scathing than it is, especially the last sentence. Nonetheless the passage illustrates Hardy’s belief in the innate worth of any kind of creative achievement (art, mathematics, writing) and his profound sadness that (at the time he was writing this) he no longer had the ability to create mathematics at the highest level, and he would never get that ability back again.
He is certainly not contemptuous of the acts of criticism or exposition - he recognizes them as fine, necessary activities - he merely asserts that the act of creating something permanent and wonderful (like a great painting) is in a certain sense superior to the act of criticizing or dissecting another’s creation. I agree with that sentiment.

]]> http://musefree.wordpress.com/2008/02/26/the-critic-and-the-creator/#comment-217 reader Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:25:14 +0000 http://musefree.wordpress.com/?p=122#comment-217 Pretty harsh, no? Pretty harsh, no?

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