Skip to content

We are not witnessing the flow of information so much as…

“We are not witnessing the flow of information so much as pure spectacle, or information made sacred, ritually unreadable. The small monitors of the office, home and car become a kind of idolatry here, where crowds might gather in astonishment. “Hysteria at high speeds, day to day, minute to…” quote by Don DeLillo
Download Open image
““We are not witnessing the flow of information so much as pure spectacle, or information made sacred, ritually unreadable. The small monitors of the office, home and car become a kind of idolatry here, where crowds might gather in astonishment. “Hysteria at high speeds, day to day, minute to minute. People in free societies don’t have to fear the pathology of the state. We create our own frenzy, our own mass convulsions, driven by thinking machines that we have no final authority over. The frenzy is barely noticeable most of the time. It’s simply how we live.” She finished with a laugh… THE TRUTH WAS MAPPED IN SLOW AND CERTAIN DECLINE. He was seeing something elaborately different from what he encountered step by step in the ordinary run of hours. He had to learn how to see it correctly, find a crack in the world where it might fit.””

Don DeLillo

About This Quote

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

The passage critiques how modern society turns information into spectacle, creating a quasi‑religious reverence for screens and media.

In simple terms: We idolize media, losing critical perspective.

Key Takeaway

Stay critical of media worship.

Themes

technology media society

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

philosophical observational

When to use this quote

  • everyday life
  • media consumption
  • public discourse

Key Concepts

information overload spectacle digital idolatry

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does media shape your perception of reality?
  • Can you find balance between consumption and reflection?
A Different Perspective

It may overgeneralize all media experiences.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Don DeLillo

Explore all 699 Don DeLillo quotes

More Day to day quotes

Browse all 1,000 Day to day quotes