But it does frightfully matter how often humanity changes its ideal; for then all its old failures are fruitless.

The question therefore becomes this: How can we keep the artist discontented with his pictures while preventing him from being vitally discontented with his art?
How can we make a man always dissatisfied with his work, yet always satisfied with working?
How can we make sure that the portrait painter will throw the portrait out of window instead of taking the natural and more human course of throwing the sitter out of window?
A strict rule is not only necessary for ruling; it is also necessary for rebelling.

This fixed and familiar ideal is necessary to any sort of revolution.

Man will sometimes act slowly upon new ideas; but he will only act swiftly upon old ideas.

If I am merely to float or fade or evolve, it may be towards something anarchic; but if I am to riot, it must be for something respectable.