The Value of Second-Rate
Christian Weekly
2 Samuel 23:19
Was he not most honorable of three? therefore he was their captain: however, he attained not to the first three.


To the student who asked, "What is the good of second-rate art?" Ruskin replied: "I am glad you asked me that question. Fifth rate, sixth rate, to s hundredth rate art is good. Art that gives s pleasure to. any one has s right to exist. For instance, if I can only draw a duck that looks as though he waddled, I may give pleasure to the last baby of our hostess, while a flower beautifully drawn will give pleasure to her eldest girl, who is just beginning to learn botany, and it may be useful to some man of science. The true outline of a leaf shown a child may turn the whole course of its life. Second-rate art is useful to a greater number of people than even first-rate art — there are so few minds of high enough order to understand the highest kind of art. Many more people find pleasure in Copley or Fielding than in Turner. Most people only see the small vulgarisms in Turner, and cannot appreciate his grander qualities."

(Christian Weekly.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: Was he not most honourable of three? therefore he was their captain: howbeit he attained not unto the first three.

WEB: Wasn't he most honorable of the three? therefore he was made their captain: however he didn't attain to the [first] three.




The Might of Mediocrity
Top of Page
Top of Page