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En ge ne ral, plus un peuple est civilise , poli, moins…

“En ge ne ral, plus un peuple est civilise , poli, moins ses moeurs sont poe tiques; tout s'affaiblit en s'adoucissant. Ingeneral, themore civilized and refinedthepeople, the less poetic are its morals; everything weakens as it mellows.” quote by Denis Diderot
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“En ge ne ral, plus un peuple est civilise , poli, moins ses moeurs sont poe tiques; tout s'affaiblit en s'adoucissant. Ingeneral, themore civilized and refinedthepeople, the less poetic are its morals; everything weakens as it mellows.”

Denis Diderot

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Civilized, refined societies become less poetic; as people become more polite, their morals lose vitality and everything softens

In simple terms: Refinement dulls moral passion

Key Takeaway

Preserve poetic spirit in civilization

Themes

civilization morality poetry

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

philosophical social

When to use this quote

  • modern education
  • political discourse
  • social reform

Key Concepts

refinement softening cultural decay

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies stay poetic while advancing?
  • Is moral vitality essential for progress?
A Different Perspective

May overlook benefits of civility and order

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