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We live in a society whose whole policy is to excite every…

“We live in a society whose whole policy is to excite every nerve in the human body and keep it at the highest pitch of artificial tension, to strain every human desire to the limit and to create as many new desires and synthetic passions as possible, in order to cater to them with the products of…” quote by Thomas Merton
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“We live in a society whose whole policy is to excite every nerve in the human body and keep it at the highest pitch of artificial tension, to strain every human desire to the limit and to create as many new desires and synthetic passions as possible, in order to cater to them with the products of our factories and printing presses and movie studios and all the rest.”

Thomas Merton

About This Quote

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

Modern society deliberately heightens desire and tension, feeding endless consumerism and synthetic passions.

In simple terms: Society fuels endless desire and tension.

Key Takeaway

Seek simplicity, limit artificial cravings.

Themes

consumerism artificial desire modernity

Mood

critical concerned

Type

analytical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • marketing strategies
  • personal stress
  • media consumption

Key Concepts

psychology of desire social critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you recognize authentic vs. synthetic desire?
  • What small steps reduce artificial tension?
A Different Perspective

Not all desire is harmful; some drives progress.

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