Meaning: This quote by Theodor Adorno, a German philosopher, expresses a complex and thought-provoking perspective on the role of art in society. Adorno was a prominent figure in the Frankfurt School of critical theory, known for his insightful analysis of culture, sociology, and aesthetics. In this quote, he suggests that for art to endure and thrive in the modern world, it must relinquish its desire to be distinct and instead assimilate into the all-encompassing domain of the everyday, or what he refers to as the "profane."

Adorno's words convey a sense of resignation and even a hint of pessimism about the fate of art in contemporary society. He seems to be implying that the pressures and influences of the modern world, with its commercialism, mass production, and consumerism, have effectively marginalized the autonomy and uniqueness of art. In this context, the "omnipotent realm of the profane" can be understood as the pervasive, dominant forces of commodification and standardization that pervade modern culture, leaving little room for the authentic, the unconventional, and the genuinely innovative.

One interpretation of Adorno's statement is that he is critiquing the commercialization and commodification of art in modern society. He suggests that in order to be accepted and valued within the prevailing cultural framework, art is compelled to conform to certain norms and expectations, sacrificing its inherent distinctiveness and challenging nature. This conformity, according to Adorno, is a necessary compromise for art to coexist within a society that values mass consumption and instant gratification over genuine artistic expression.

Adorno's perspective raises important questions about the relationship between art and society, and the extent to which artistic integrity can be maintained in the face of commercial and cultural pressures. His critique of the "omnipotent realm of the profane" could be seen as a lament for the loss of art's ability to challenge, provoke, and inspire, as it becomes subsumed within the prevailing norms and values of a consumer-driven culture.

Furthermore, Adorno's assertion that art must renounce the right to be different in order to survive can also be viewed in the context of the commodification of art. In a society driven by market forces, art may be compelled to conform to popular tastes and preferences, leading to a homogenization of artistic expression and a dilution of its critical and transformative potential. By integrating itself into the "profane" realm, art risks losing its ability to disrupt the status quo and offer alternative perspectives that challenge prevailing ideologies and power structures.

It is worth noting that Adorno's views on art and culture were deeply influenced by his experiences during the tumultuous and transformative period of the 20th century, particularly the rise of fascism in Europe and the increasing dominance of capitalist consumer culture. His observations reflect a broader concern about the potential co-option of art by powerful interests, whether political or commercial, and the implications of such co-option for the autonomy and integrity of artistic expression.

In conclusion, Theodor Adorno's quote provides a thought-provoking perspective on the challenges facing art in contemporary society. His critique of the pressure for art to conform and integrate into the "profane" realm highlights the tensions between artistic autonomy and the demands of a culture driven by commercial imperatives. While Adorno's viewpoint may be seen as somewhat pessimistic, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to safeguard the critical and transformative potential of art in the face of powerful societal forces.