Artist Quote by Christopher Isherwood
“The Nazis hated culture itself, because it is essentially international and therefore subversive of nationalism. What they called Nazi culture was a local, perverted, nationalistic cult, by which a few major artists and many minor ones were honored for their Germanness, not their talent.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Goodbye to Berlin, 1939
The Nazis rejected universal culture, viewing it as a threat to their narrow nationalist agenda, and promoted art that served their ideology rather than true talent.
In simple terms: Nazis despised global culture, favoring nationalist art.
Key Takeaway
Beware of cultural nationalism that suppresses diversity.
Themes
culture
nationalism
art
politics
propaganda
Mood
critical
reflective
somber
Type
philosophical
political
historical
When to use this quote
- museum curation
- education curricula
- media representation
- art funding
- public policy
Key Concepts
totalitarianism
cultural hegemony
identity politics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does cultural nationalism shape artistic expression?
- What responsibilities do artists have under oppressive regimes?
A Different Perspective
Nationalist art can still be co-opted by commercial interests, limiting its critique.
![“I hated the culture [working in the bank], I hated the work. I very quickly realized that this wasn't what I wanted to do. So, after two years, I took some writing courses - I always loved to write - and I figured the only way I was going to get paid to write was in journalism.” quote by Sharif Abdel Kouddous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b60/sharif-abdel-kouddous-63338_courses_i-hated-the-culture-working-in-the-bank_864451.jpg)
