On feeling small
"To make us feel small in the right way is a function of art; men can only make us feel small in the wrong way." E. M. Forster
The small feeling produced by art comes from dancing with our muse and allowing our inspiration to take us somewhere the resistance would rather avoid. We feel small in the face of magic and connection. Feeling small gives us the guts to create something bigger, bigger than ourselves, the art of human connection and the gift of generosity.
On the other hand, the critic who seeks to beef himself up at our expense diminishes no one but himself.