--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It seems, in fact, that the more advanced…" description: "\"It seems, in fact, that the more advanced a society is, the greater will be its interest in ruined things, for it will see in them a redemptively sober..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3a4/alain-de-botton-221_achievement_it-seems-in-fact-that-the-more-advanced_2243256.jpg" --- # It seems, in fact, that the more advanced a society is… ![“It seems, in fact, that the more advanced a society is, the greater will be its interest in ruined things, for it will see in them a redemptively sobering reminder of the fragility of its own achievements. Ruins pose a direct challenge to our concern with power and rank, with bustle and fame. They…” quote by Alain de Botton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3a4/alain-de-botton-221_achievement_it-seems-in-fact-that-the-more-advanced_2243256.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3a4/alain-de-botton-221_achievement_it-seems-in-fact-that-the-more-advanced_2243256.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3a4/alain-de-botton-221_achievement_it-seems-in-fact-that-the-more-advanced_2243256.jpg) > “It seems, in fact, that the more advanced a society is, the greater will be its interest in ruined things, for it will see in them a redemptively sobering reminder of the fragility of its own achievements. Ruins pose a direct challenge to our concern with power and rank, with bustle and fame. They puncture the inflated folly of our exhaustive and frenetic pursuit of wealth.” [Alain de Botton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alain-de-botton/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Advanced societies obsess over ruins because they reveal how fragile progress is, challenging our pursuit of power and wealth. **In simple terms:** Ruins remind us of life's fragility. Key Takeaway Reflect on what truly matters. Themes philosophy culture impermanence Mood thoughtful reflective Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - urban planning - education - personal growth - historical preservation Key Concepts existential reflection value of heritage Questions to Reflect On - What does a ruin symbolize for you? - How can we balance nostalgia with forward motion? A Different Perspective Focusing on ruins may distract from present challenges. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Achievement](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/achievement/) [Challenges](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/challenges/) [Facts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/facts/) [Fame](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fame/) [Folly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/folly/) [Fragility](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fragility/) [Interest](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/interest/) [Pursuit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pursuit/) [Ruins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ruins/) [Wealth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wealth/) ## Related quotes > [Life has a way of overgrowing its achievements as well as its ruins.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edith-wharton/life-has-a-way-of-overgrowing-its-achievements-as-well-as-its-ruins/) [Edith Wharton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edith-wharton/) > [Writing went from being a calling to being a job. 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People look to escape…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-baudrillard/holidays-are-in-no-sense-an-alternative-to-the-congestion-and-bustle/) [Jean Baudrillard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-baudrillard/) > [Truly, the bench is a boon to idlers. Whoever first came up with the idea is a genius: free public resting places where you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-hodgkinson/truly-the-bench-is-a-boon-to-idlers-whoever-first-came-up-with-the/) [Tom Hodgkinson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-hodgkinson/) ## More by Alain de Botton > [“To be mature is, we're told, to move beyond possessiveness. Jealousy is for babies. 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