Visual art has become qualitatively and quantitatively different from other cultural spheres : it is turning into a philistine game that has nothing to do with the serious creative endeavour epitomised by mantel .
A culture where running your own business is seen as an admirable and impressive achievement is likely to be more dynamic and successful than one where general opinion judges trade to be mercenary , dull and philistine .
Next time the topic will probably have shifted to madonna 's divorce , and you will be returned to the status you probably always had : smug , boring , philistine , too rich for your own good and an eccentric choice of husband for your nice , arty wife .