Meaning: The quote by David Mamet, an American playwright and screenwriter, captures the essence of the modern society's fascination with the artist as a persona rather than the actual art they produce. Mamet's observation reflects the shift in cultural emphasis from valuing the artistic output to idolizing the artist as a figure of tragedy and experience.

In the contemporary world, the artist has taken on a mythic quality, becoming a symbol of depth, complexity, and often, suffering. The public's interest in artists goes beyond their creations; it extends to their personal lives, struggles, and the emotions they have experienced. This shift suggests a profound societal change in the way art is perceived and consumed.

The idea that "the product of the artist has become less important than the fact of the artist" points to a cultural shift where the artist's personal narrative, emotions, and struggles have become more significant than the actual work they produce. This phenomenon can be observed in the media's relentless focus on the personal lives of artists, their relationships, and their struggles, often overshadowing discussions about their artistic output.

Mamet's assertion that "We wish to absorb this person. We wish to devour someone who has experienced the tragic" underscores the societal fascination with the tragic narrative of the artist. There is a palpable desire to consume the artist's experiences, to understand and internalize their pain and suffering. This inclination can be seen in the public's insatiable appetite for biopics, memoirs, and documentaries that delve into the personal lives and struggles of artists.

The quote also highlights the elevated status of the artist in contemporary society. Mamet suggests that "In our society, this person is much more important than anything he might create." This elevation of the artist as a figure of paramount significance reflects a cultural shift where the artist's persona has become a focal point, often overshadowing the work they produce.

In dissecting Mamet's quote, it becomes evident that the artist has transitioned from being primarily valued for their artistic contributions to being revered for their personal narratives and emotional experiences. This shift has profound implications for the way art is consumed and understood in modern society.

In conclusion, David Mamet's quote sheds light on the contemporary societal fascination with the artist as a persona, eclipsing the importance of their artistic output. This shift in cultural emphasis signifies a profound transformation in the way art and artists are perceived and consumed. The elevation of the artist's personal narrative and the collective desire to absorb their experiences reflect a cultural evolution that has redefined the artist as a symbol of tragedy, depth, and significance in contemporary society.