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1776 Quote by Frank Lloyd Wright

“...pseudo-scientific minds, like those of the scientist or the painter in love with the pictorial, both teaching as they were taught to become architects, practice a kind of building which is inevitably the result of conditioning of the mind instead of enlightenment. By this standard means also…” quote by Frank Lloyd Wright
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““...pseudo-scientific minds, like those of the scientist or the painter in love with the pictorial, both teaching as they were taught to become architects, practice a kind of building which is inevitably the result of conditioning of the mind instead of enlightenment. By this standard means also, the old conformities are appearing as new but only in another guise, more insidious because they are especially convenient to the standardizations of the modernist plan-factory and wholly ignorant of anything but public expediency. So in our big cities architecture like religion is helpless under the blows of science and the crushing weight of conformity--caused to gravitate to the masquerade in our streets in the name of "modernity." Fearfully concealing lack of initial courage or fundamental preparation or present merit: reactionary. Institutional public influences calling themselves conservative are really no more than the usual political stand-patters or social lid-sitters. As a feature of our cultural life architecture takes a backward direction, becomes less truly radical as our life itself grows more sterile, more conformist. All this in order to be safe? How soon will "we the people" awake to the fact that the philosophy of natural or intrinsic building we are here calling organic is at one with our freedom--as declared, 1776?””

Frank Lloyd Wright

About This Quote

Source Essay: An Autobiography, 1935

The quote critiques how modern architecture is constrained by scientific rationalism and conformity, losing its radical, organic spirit and becoming a tool of political and social complacency.

In simple terms: Modern architecture is trapped by conformity and lost its radical spirit.

Key Takeaway

Seek authentic, organic design over sterile conformity.

Themes

architecture conformity modernism politics creativity

Mood

critical reflective concerned

Type

philosophical analytical

When to use this quote

  • urban planning
  • public policy
  • educational curricula
  • artistic practice

Key Concepts

organic design critical theory cultural critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can architects balance innovation with societal needs?
  • What role should tradition play in modern design?
A Different Perspective

The argument may overgeneralize and neglect practical constraints of safety and budget.

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