We have reason. It is the entire meaning and purpose of…
““We have reason. It is the entire meaning and purpose of Shangri-La. It came to me in a vision long, long ago. I foresaw a time when man exalting in the technique of murder, would rage so hotly over the world, that every book, every treasure would be doomed to destruction. This vision was so vivid and so moving that I determined to gather together all things of beauty and culture that I could and preserve them here against the doom toward which the world is rushing. Look at the world today. Is there anything more pitiful? What madness there is! What blindness! A scurrying mass of bewildered humanity crashing headlong against each other. The time must come, my friend, when brutality and the lust for power must perish by its own sword. For when that day comes, the world must begin to look for a new life. And it is our hope that they may find it here.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker vows to protect humanity’s cultural treasures from inevitable destruction caused by humanity’s own violence and greed.
In simple terms: Preserve beauty against world’s cruelty.
Key Takeaway
Safeguard art and knowledge.
Themes
preservation
culture
hope
humanity
war
Mood
somber
reflective
determined
Type
philosophical
inspirational
cautionary
When to use this quote
- museum curation
- digital archiving
- education
- peace activism
Key Concepts
cultural heritage
apocalypse
vision
ethical duty
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance preservation with confronting systemic violence?
- What responsibilities do we have to future generations?
A Different Perspective
Preservation alone cannot stop conflict; societal change is also needed.