Virginia Woolf
The Quote in Other Words
I only appreciate human nature when it is coated with art.
Explanation of the Quote
This quote suggests that the raw, unfiltered nature of humanity is unappealing to the speaker. However, when human behavior is refined and polished through the lens of art, it becomes more palatable. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the transformative power of art, which has the ability to elevate and beautify even the most base aspects of human nature. It could also be seen as a critique of society’s tendency to suppress or hide the less desirable aspects of human behavior, instead favoring a veneer of civility and refinement. Ultimately, this quote invites us to consider the relationship between art and humanity, and the ways in which one can shape and influence the other.