Richard Wagner on the Difference Between a True Artist and a Journeyman

Words from the master, Richard Wagner:

“The true artist finds delight not only in the aim of his creation, but also in the very process of creation, in the handling and moulding of his material. The very act of production is to him a gladsome, satisfying activity…” 

So what is the artist…very simple! Like Wagner said, the “true artist” is a man that delights in the process of creation. His poetry is the reflection of a lofty soul; his opera is the heroism of an UberMan. His canvas is the infinite imagination.

The great artist is a GREAT MAN. He is Bach, Beethoven and Shakespeare. By his work, he affirms the summit of human potential. Generations pay tribute to his art: they visit the house that he was born, the bed in which he slept, etc. His life history will become a source of inspiration.

The great artist is a GREAT MAN. He is Bach, Beethoven and Shakespeare.

And what of the journeyman? The degenerate postmodern. The huckster of socialism, communism and feminism. The money-grubbing hack!

Wagner spells that out for us:

“The journeyman reckons only the goal of his labour, the profit which his toil shall bring him; the energy which he expends, gives him no pleasure…he is never present with his work in spirit, but always looking beyond it to its goal…”

The journeyman is a prostitute. He does the art for money – not for love. Don’t be confused by the momentary success…by the applause that he gains from a corrupted press. He’ll be forgotten soon enough! When his job is done, he’ll be cast in the fires of anonymity.

The next whore will take his place.

See Related Article: Richard Wagner on the Difference Between Greek and Roman Art