Quote by: Andrei Tarkovsky

It is obvious that art cannot teach anyone anything, since in four thousand years humanity has learnt nothing at all. We should long ago have become angels had we been capable of paying attention to the experience of art, and allowing ourselves to be changed in accordance with the ideals it expresses. Art only has the capacity, through shock and catharsis, to make the human soul receptive to good. It’s ridiculous to imagine that people can be taught to be good…Art can only give food – a jolt – the occasion – for psychical experience.


Share this:  

Author Bio


  • NameAndrei Tarkovsky
  • DescriptionSoviet and Russian film-maker, writer, film editor, film theorist, theatre and opera director
  • AliasesAndrei Arsenyevich Tarkovsky; Andrej Tarkovskij
  • BornApril 4, 1932
  • DiedDecember 29, 1986
  • CountrySoviet Union
  • ProfessionFilm Director; Actor
  • Works