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Beauty is the disinterested one, without which the ancient…

“Beauty is the disinterested one, without which the ancient world refused to understand itself, a word which both imperceptibly and yet unmistakably has bid farewell to our new world, a world of interests, leaving it to its own avarice and sadness.” quote by Hans Urs von Balthasar
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“Beauty is the disinterested one, without which the ancient world refused to understand itself, a word which both imperceptibly and yet unmistakably has bid farewell to our new world, a world of interests, leaving it to its own avarice and sadness.”

Hans Urs von Balthasar

About This Quote

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

Beauty is presented as an unattainable ideal that modern society has lost, leading to a world driven by self‑interest and sorrow.

In simple terms: Modern world lacks true beauty, causing greed and sadness.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and cherish true beauty.

Themes

beauty modernity spirituality

Mood

melancholic reflective

Type

philosophical poetic

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • art criticism
  • philosophical discourse
  • cultural analysis

Key Concepts

aesthetic loss human longing

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does society define beauty today?
  • Can beauty be reclaimed in a material world?
A Different Perspective

True beauty may be subjective and elusive, making universal appreciation difficult.

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