Artificial Quote by G.K. Chesterton
““But the more shrewdly and earnestly we study the histories of men, the less ready shall we be to make use of the word ‘artificial.’ Nothing in the world has ever been artificial. Many customs, many dresses, many works of art are branded with artificiality because the exhibit vanity and self-consciousness: as if vanity were not a deep and elemental thing, like love and hate and the fear of death. Vanity may be found in darkling deserts, in the hermit and in the wild beasts that crawl around him. It may be good or evil, but assuredly it is not artificial: vanity is a voice out of the abyss.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Art of Being Artificial,” 1912
Chesterton argues that nothing is truly artificial; what we label artificial often reflects human vanity and consciousness, not a lack of authenticity.
In simple terms: Nothing is truly artificial; vanity creates the label.
Key Takeaway
Question the notion of artificiality.
Themes
authenticity
vanity
human nature
philosophy
culture
Mood
critical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- art criticism
- fashion
- technology design
- cultural analysis
Key Concepts
aesthetics
sociology
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does vanity influence our perception of authenticity?
- Can true artificiality exist?
A Different Perspective
May dismiss genuine artificial constructs.
