Modern man Quote by Blaise Cendrars
““Modern man has a need for simplification that tends to find its expression one way or another. And this artificial monotony which he takes pains to create, this monotony which is slowly taking over the world, this monotony is the sign of our greatness. It bears the mark of a certain will-power, the will to utility; it is the expression of utility, a law that governs all our modern activity: the Law of Utility.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Law of Utility, Blaise Cendrars, 1930
Modern society seeks simplicity, creating uniformity that reflects a drive for usefulness, which both empowers and limits humanity.
In simple terms: We simplify life to be useful, but risk uniformity.
Key Takeaway
Balance utility with diversity.
Themes
simplicity
utility
modernity
uniformity
willpower
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- urban planning
- product design
- education curricula
- media consumption
Key Concepts
existentialism
social critique
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How does simplifying life affect personal freedom?
- When does utility become oppression?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on utility can stifle creativity and individuality.
![“[The] utility resulting from any small increase in wealth will be inversely proportionate to the quantity of goods previously possessed.” quote by Peter L. Bernstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d2e/peter-l-bernstein-27498_money_the-utility-resulting-from-any-small-inc_564346.jpg)
