There is in fact no such thing as art for art's sake, art that

Host: The room was quiet, the light from the lamp casting a soft glow on the walls as evening slowly took hold. The world outside seemed to fade into the background, leaving the two of them alone in their thoughts. Jeeny sat at the edge of the table, her hands resting lightly on a notebook, her gaze distant but focused. Jack, standing by the window, looked out at the dimming sky, the weight of the words in his mind heavy as they lingered in the air.

Finally, Jeeny broke the silence, her voice calm but carrying a depth of thought.

Jeeny: “I came across something today from Mao Zedong that made me think. He said, ‘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.’ What do you think about that?”

Jack: (pauses, turning toward her) “It’s a pretty strong statement, isn’t it? He’s saying that art can’t be separate from the political climate. Art isn’t just about beauty or expression—it’s about serving a purpose, aligning with the needs of the people, especially the working class. It’s a view that says art must serve the revolution—not be an isolated or neutral thing.”

Jeeny: (nodding, her voice measured) “Exactly. Mao’s argument is that art and culture cannot exist independently of the social and political forces at play. Art is part of a larger societal movement—it’s meant to serve a function, to reflect and advance the struggles of the proletariat. It’s not about individual expression for the sake of beauty or personal freedom; it’s about contributing to a collective cause, a collective fight.”

Host: The stillness in the room seemed to deepen, as the weight of Jeeny’s words settled in. Jack’s gaze softened slightly, his arms crossing as he thought about the broader implications of what was being discussed. The world outside, though darkening, seemed distant, as if the conversation was moving toward something much larger—about the role of art in society and its place within the political landscape.

Jack: (voice thoughtful) “But isn’t there something to be said for art as a personal expression? A way to connect with the inner world of the artist, to explore feelings, emotions, and ideas without the pressure of serving a cause? Art that isn’t bound by political allegiance but can still spark thought and change?”

Jeeny: (with a gentle smile, her voice calm) “I think personal expression is valid, but Mao’s point is that art has the power to influence society, and that influence should be aligned with the collective goals of the people. He’s not dismissing personal expression, but he’s saying that art has a responsibility—it’s part of the larger picture, part of a movement toward change. Art isn’t just something beautiful to behold; it’s a tool, a medium to shape the way people think, feel, and act.”

Jack: (pauses, his voice more reflective) “So, in this view, art isn’t just created for personal fulfillment—it’s created to help shape consciousness, to move people towards action, to align with a political cause. It’s a powerful way of looking at it.”

Jeeny: (nodding) “Yes, it is. But think about it this way—art can inspire change. Whether through literature, music, visual art, or performance, it can challenge the status quo, bring awareness to injustice, and mobilize people for action. Mao believed that art should not be divorced from the realities of life; it should be part of the social struggle, not an isolated pursuit.”

Host: The room felt quieter now, the words hanging between them like a shared understanding. The light from the lamp softened their faces, and the weight of the conversation deepened, exploring not just the role of art, but its responsibility in shaping society. Jeeny and Jack sat together, contemplating the power of art in ways they hadn’t fully considered before.

Jack: (softly, his voice more introspective) “I think I get it now. Art, when used with intention, can be a force for good. It’s not just a form of self-expression—it’s a way to shape people’s minds, challenge injustice, and move them toward a better world.”

Jeeny: (smiling warmly) “Exactly. Art, when aligned with a cause, has the power to inspire, to push boundaries, to awaken consciousness. It’s not just about creating something beautiful—it’s about creating something that drives change.”

Host: The world outside had long fallen into night, but inside, the room felt filled with a new understanding. Jeeny and Jack sat together, reflecting on the idea that art is not just for personal enjoyment—it has a larger role in the collective life of a society. It has the power to challenge, to shape, and to drive social change. Art, in this sense, is not separate from the struggle—it is an essential part of it, a tool that can move people toward something greater. The quiet of the room, the dim light, and the weight of their words all felt like a shared truth—art, when connected to a cause, is a catalyst for transformation.