As for those who proclaim that they are ignorant and proud of it, what they would like is to see the whole of mankind forgotten as completely as they will be themselves.
A man who lacks some talent makes up for it by despising it, and so removes this obstacle lying between himself and personal merit; this is how he gets on the same level as the man whose work he finds redoubtable.
—Montesquieu
What they cannot depict (Pamuk)
In actuality, we don't look for smiles in pictures of bliss, but rather, for the happiness in life itself. Painters know this, but this is precisely what they cannot depict. That's why they substitute the joy of seeing for the joy of life.
Orhan Pamuk, My Name Is Red
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