Age Quote by Arthur Koestler
“The Revolutionary's Utopia, which in appearance represents a complete break with the past, is always modeled on some image of the Lost Paradise, of a legendary Golden Age... All utopias are fed from the source of mythology; the social engineers' blueprints are merely revised editions of the ancient text.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Ghost in the Machine, 1967
Utopias claim to break from the past but actually rewrite ancient myths, using old narratives as blueprints.
In simple terms: Utopias recycle old myths as new plans.
Key Takeaway
Question the mythic foundations of ideal societies.
Themes
politics
myth
idealism
history
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political reform
- urban planning
- education curricula
- community building
Key Concepts
social engineering
cultural narratives
collective memory
Questions to Reflect On
- What myths shape your vision of a perfect society?
- How can we create inclusive futures without mythic bias?
A Different Perspective
Utopias may ignore practical constraints and diversity of human experience.
