“There is in fact no such thing as art for art’s sake, art that stands above classes, art that is detached from or independent of politics. Proletarian literature and art are part of the whole proletarian revolutionary cause.”
- December 26, 1893 – September 9, 1976
- Born in China
- Politician, thinker
- He led the Chinese socialist revolution and succeeded in founding the country, but the Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution brought much chaos and sacrifice.
Quote
“There is in fact no such thing as art for art’s sake, art that stands above classes, art that is detached from or independent of politics. Proletarian literature and art are part of the whole proletarian revolutionary cause.”
Explanation
This quote reflects Mao Zedong’s strong belief that art and literature cannot exist in isolation from the political and social context in which they are created. Mao argued that art should serve a purpose, especially within the framework of a revolutionary socialist agenda. He rejected the idea of “art for art’s sake,” which suggests that art exists solely for aesthetic or intellectual enjoyment, independent of political implications. Instead, he believed that art must be aligned with the goals of the working class, serving as a tool to promote the proletarian revolution.
During the time of this statement, Mao was focused on consolidating the power of the Communist Party and reinforcing the principles of Marxism-Leninism. As such, he saw art and literature as essential in shaping public opinion and mobilizing the masses for political and social change. The role of proletarian literature and art, in Mao’s view, was to educate and inspire the people, promoting the values of the working class and the goals of the revolution. This philosophy led to the development of the Cultural Revolution, where art and culture were closely monitored and directed to align with Communist ideals.
In the modern context, this quote raises important questions about the role of art in society. While artistic freedom is celebrated in many parts of the world today, Mao’s assertion challenges the notion that art can be apolitical. It invites reflection on the potential for art to either challenge or reinforce political systems. Contemporary debates about the relationship between art and politics remain relevant, with many arguing that art can be a powerful instrument for social change, or conversely, a tool for propaganda and control, depending on its alignment with political movements.
