Ancient Wisdom: I’m 83. Is My Writing Better Than When I Was 30?
The article discusses the notion that older artists can achieve greatness through experience and wisdom. It highlights recent art exhibitions featuring works from historical figures like Mozart and Raphael, who both died young. The author reflects on the potential of artists who passed away early and questions what they might have accomplished had they lived longer.
- ▪Nicholas Delbanco explores the idea that older artists can replace lost energy with expertise.
- ▪Recent exhibitions in New York showcase the works of Mozart and Raphael, both of whom died young.
- ▪The article raises questions about the potential achievements of artists who died before reaching 40.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Ancient Wisdom: I’m 83. Is My Writing Better Than When I Was 30?“The term ‘genius’ is most often used to describe feats of early attainment, but there’s a kind of astonishment also when we look at art made in old age,” writes Nicholas Delbanco. (Harvey Meston/Archive Photos/Getty Images)There’s no reason an older creative artist can’t replace lost energy with expertise or, to put it more grandly, ambition with wisdom; we ought to be able to enlarge the canvas or refine the song.By Nicholas Delbanco05.29.26 — Ancient Wisdom--:----:--Upgrade to ListenProduced by ElevenLabs using AI narrationIn the last month, I’ve seen two art installations in New York.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Free Press (Substack).
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