In the name of what - except perhaps the coefficient of…
“In the name of what - except perhaps the coefficient of rarity - does man adorn himself with necklaces of shells and not spider's webs, with fox fur and not fox innards? In the name of what I don't know. Don't dirt, trash and filth, which are man's companions during his whole lifetime, deserve to be dearer to him and isn't it serving him well to remind him of their beauty?”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Dubuffet questions why humans value decorative, exotic items over mundane, dirty things, suggesting a deeper search for meaning beyond material rarity.
In simple terms: He wonders why we prize pretty things over everyday grime.
Key Takeaway
Reflect on what you truly value.
Themes
materialism
beauty
human nature
philosophy
Mood
contemplative
critical
curious
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- fashion choices
- interior design
- personal collections
- environmental attitudes
- social status
Key Concepts
aesthetic value
existential questioning
Questions to Reflect On
- What does your attachment to objects reveal about you?
- How might embracing the ordinary change your perspective?
A Different Perspective
The argument ignores cultural contexts where practicality outweighs aesthetics.