Meaning: Salvador Dali, the renowned surrealist artist, is known for his eccentric and often controversial statements. The quote "In order to acquire a growing and lasting respect in society, it is a good thing, if you possess great talent, to give, early in your youth, a very hard kick to the right shin of the society that you love. After that, be a snob." reflects his unorthodox and provocative perspective on the relationship between individual talent, societal acceptance, and the role of the artist in society.

Firstly, Dali's suggestion to "give, early in your youth, a very hard kick to the right shin of the society that you love" can be interpreted as a call for young talents to challenge the status quo, question established norms, and push the boundaries of societal expectations. This can be seen as a metaphorical call for rebellion, urging individuals to disrupt the conventional and shake up the existing order to make an impact. Dali himself was known for his iconoclastic approach to art, often challenging traditional artistic conventions and social norms through his work.

The second part of the quote, "After that, be a snob," is a stark contrast to the initial call for rebellion. Here, Dali seems to be advocating for a sense of self-assuredness and self-importance once the individual has made their mark on society. This shift in tone can be interpreted as a commentary on the duality of the artist's role in society: the initial need to challenge and disrupt, followed by a confidence in one's own talent and a deliberate distancing from societal expectations.

It is important to note that Dali's words should be viewed in the context of his own persona and the era in which he lived. His flamboyant and often controversial behavior, both in his personal life and artistic practice, may have influenced his perspective on the relationship between the artist and society. Dali's penchant for self-promotion and the creation of a larger-than-life public persona can be seen as a manifestation of the "snob" attitude he refers to in the quote.

In essence, Dali's quote can be interpreted as a reflection of the complex and multifaceted nature of the artist's relationship with society. It captures the tension between the artist's need to challenge conventions and the desire for recognition and respect within the societal framework. While the initial call for rebellion may be seen as a nod to the artist's role as a disruptor and provocateur, the subsequent call to "be a snob" speaks to the artist's need for self-assuredness and confidence in their own talent.

Overall, Dali's quote encapsulates the nuanced and often contradictory dynamics at play in the artist-society relationship. It invites contemplation on the artist's responsibility to challenge, provoke, and ultimately assert their own significance within the fabric of society. Whether one agrees with Dali's perspective or not, his words serve as a thought-provoking commentary on the complexities of the artist's journey in the world.