--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The contemporary world has turned its…" description: "\"“The contemporary world has turned its back on the attempt and even on the desire to live reasonably.”\" — George Santayana" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/06e/george-santayana-478_contemporary_the-contemporary-world-has-turned-its-ba_28191.png" --- # The contemporary world has turned its back on the attempt… ![“The contemporary world has turned its back on the attempt and even on the desire to live reasonably.” quote by George Santayana](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/06e/george-santayana-478_contemporary_the-contemporary-world-has-turned-its-ba_28191.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/06e/george-santayana-478_contemporary_the-contemporary-world-has-turned-its-ba_28191.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/06e/george-santayana-478_contemporary_the-contemporary-world-has-turned-its-ba_28191.png) > ““The contemporary world has turned its back on the attempt and even on the desire to live reasonably.”” [George Santayana](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-santayana/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The quote argues that modern society neglects rational, balanced living, favoring excess or irrationality over thoughtful restraint. **In simple terms:** Modern life abandons rational living. Key Takeaway Society neglects reason. Themes modernity rationality culture values existentialism Mood reflective critical Type philosophical cautionary When to use this quote - urban living - consumer culture - political discourse - personal decision‑making - education Key Concepts reason balance social critique Practical Applications - ethical philosophy - social commentary Questions to Reflect On - What does it mean to live reasonably? - How can individuals resist societal pressure toward excess? ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Desire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/desire/) [Desire to live](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/desire-to-live/) ## Related quotes > [The psychic plane is clouded over by emotions and thoughts and the general dullness and malaise that develops in our contemporary world through the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-lenz/the-psychic-plane-is-clouded-over-by-emotions-and-thoughts-and-the/) [Frederick Lenz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-lenz/) > [It is clear that when you 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