What does 'iron' mean in this context?

[juliana0403]

Hi, guys.. please help my reading.

I don't understand what 'iron' and 'in their flesh' mean in this context...

Please let me know what those mean.. Thank you.



"You will hear people say that poverty is the best spur to the artst. Such

people have never felt the iron of it in their flesh. "

[Naamplao]

Hi, guys.. please help my reading.

I don't understand what 'iron' and 'in their flesh' mean in this context...

Please let me know what those mean.. Thank you.



"You will hear people say that poverty is the best spur to the artst. Such

people have never felt the iron of it in their flesh. "

A "spur" is an attachment made of "iron" that is placed on the heel of a rider's boot. While riding a horse, if the rider wants to go faster he digs the spur into the side of the horse.

"Poverty" is being compared to that rider's "spur". Poverty can be the situation that inspires artists to paint or create great works of art...or at least "some people" who buy art claim this is true.

But those people have never been poor....they are rich. They have never felt the effects of poverty (the iron spur) on their life (in their flesh)

[juliana0403]

Thank you so much..