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Art Quote by Elie Faure

“The stamping out of the artist is one of the blind goals of every civilization. When a civilization becomes so standardized that the individual can no longer make an imprint on it, then that civilization is dying. The mass mind has taken over and another set of national glories is heading for…” quote by Elie Faure
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“The stamping out of the artist is one of the blind goals of every civilization. When a civilization becomes so standardized that the individual can no longer make an imprint on it, then that civilization is dying. The mass mind has taken over and another set of national glories is heading for history's scrap heap.”

Elie Faure

About This Quote

Source Essay: Art and Civilization, 1912

When societies enforce uniformity, they suppress individual creativity, signaling cultural decline as collective thinking overrides personal expression.

In simple terms: Uniformity kills creativity, leading to cultural decay.

Key Takeaway

Encourage individual expression to keep culture alive.

Themes

creativity culture conformity civilization individualism

Mood

reflective concerned

Type

analytical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • education reform
  • urban planning
  • media policy
  • corporate culture
  • community arts programs

Key Concepts

aesthetic theory social dynamics cultural entropy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does standardization benefit society?
  • What balance between individuality and conformity is healthy?
A Different Perspective

Even with individualism, some standardization is needed for social coordination.

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