5 ms·

Okay, I'll bite. I don't get it.

• anon4 13y ago
  It's an example in cultural differences. We can infer from the structure of the story, that it takes place in Japan. There, masters of great works aren't recorded and only the works remain - a clear consequence of day-to-day Japanese humbleness. Contrast that with the western world, where names like Leonardo and Michelangelo are clearly recognized for their work and we even remember people from something like 2000 years ago, like Plato, Socrates, Pliny, etc. The point of the story then is that if you want to be recognized for your work, move to Europe. Or if you're already in Europe, don't move to Japan. It's also a joke.
  • James_Duval 13y ago
    I think masters of great works are pretty well-recognised in Japan. Matsuo Basho, for instance.
• breadbox 13y ago
  One possible interpretation: Things that are valuable (be it artistic creations or useful tools) will overshadow their inventors. If you want your work to be recognized, then you should care more about your work than about being recognized for it.
  • nelmaven 13y ago
    That's also how I interpreted it.
  • pbhjpbhj 13y ago
    >Things that are valuable (be it artistic creations or useful tools) will overshadow their inventors. // Almost all the artistic works that I can recognise on sight I have an idea who the artist was/is. Often you can see a work for the first time and have a guess at the artist. I don't think it works really - maybe for certain areas and/or with historic pieces (like who carved the Lewis Chessmen?)?
• jgamman 13y ago
  4 states: bad work+not recognised, bw+r, good work+nr, gw+r. you cannot control recognition. pointless to aim for bad work. always aim for good work and let recognition happen or not. ideally, be happy with doing good work and indifferent to recognition. i think it was one of th US' ex-presidents who said "it's amazing what you can accomplish if you don't mind who gets the credit" having said that, it takes a special person to do good work and see someelse get the credit and still be indifferent...
  • gms7777 13y ago
    I think that quote is from President Bartlett when he secretly fixed social security.
• slashdotaccount 13y ago
  The morale is: if you want to be recognised for your works, attach your name to them, and promote yourself and your works.
• syllogism 13y ago
  People recognising your work is distinct from people recognising you. It's sufficient for people to know your work and like it. Why should they care who made it?
  • codeonfire 13y ago
    Because someone got a big bonus when it was finished. Was it the person who made it or somebody else?
• jap 13y ago
  If you want your work to be recognized, make something beautiful.