Nietzsche contended we all need to see ourselves in perspective and the art of masquerading taught by artists provides such perspective. He suggested poetry in its primeval form sought to discharge irrationality, restore the soul's balance, and coerce the gods. Now Nietzsche critiques art designed to intoxicate. He deplores artists' vanity in striving to produce massive effects, instead of cultivating their own particular talent. He notes one now uses artworks as mad, intoxicating respites from life's suffering, whereas formerly they celebrated life's elevated and blissful moments.