The Why of Painting

Following is a beautiful quote by the renowned American painter Robert Henri, which I stumbled upon on the internet while researching some paintings.
Such a sublime truth it states with so much simplicity, that I could not resist sharing it with you. Here it is:

" The object of painting a picture is not to make a picture - however unreasonable this may sound. The picture, if a picture results, is a by-product and may be useful, valuable and interesting as a sign of what  has passed.
The object which is at the back of every true work of art, is the attainment of a state of being, a state of high functioning, a more than ordinary moment of existence."

(A painting by Robert Henri taken over internet from Artnet.com)