--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The rationalism of the creative minds was…" description: "\"The rationalism of the creative minds was tempered by abundant fantasies, and the supreme beauty of the monuments was probably spoiled by the circumamb..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c09/george-sarton-17933_beauty_the-rationalism-of-the-creative-minds-wa_1074613.png" --- # The rationalism of the creative minds was tempered by… ![“The rationalism of the creative minds was tempered by abundant fantasies, and the supreme beauty of the monuments was probably spoiled by the circumambient vanities and ugliness; in a few cases the Greeks came as close to perfection as it was possible to do, yet they were human and imperfect.” quote by George Sarton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c09/george-sarton-17933_beauty_the-rationalism-of-the-creative-minds-wa_1074613.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c09/george-sarton-17933_beauty_the-rationalism-of-the-creative-minds-wa_1074613.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c09/george-sarton-17933_beauty_the-rationalism-of-the-creative-minds-wa_1074613.png) > “The rationalism of the creative minds was tempered by abundant fantasies, and the supreme beauty of the monuments was probably spoiled by the circumambient vanities and ugliness; in a few cases the Greeks came as close to perfection as it was possible to do, yet they were human and imperfect.” [George Sarton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-sarton/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Creative rationalism can be diluted by excess fantasy, and even great works may be marred by surrounding trivialities; Greeks approached perfection but remained flawed. **In simple terms:** Reason and imagination must balance; even masterpieces have flaws. Key Takeaway Balance logic with imagination; accept imperfection. Themes philosophy art history perfection Mood reflective analytical Type critical philosophical When to use this quote - art criticism - architectural design - academic research - creative writing Key Concepts aesthetics human limitation cultural critique Questions to Reflect On - How do you keep imagination in check? - Can flaws enhance a work’s value? A Different Perspective Balancing brilliance with excess is challenging. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Beauty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/beauty/) [Creative](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/creative/) [Creative mind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/creative-mind/) [Fantasy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fantasy/) [Humans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humans/) [Mind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mind/) [Monument](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/monument/) [Perfection](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/perfection/) [Psychology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/psychology/) [Rationalism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rationalism/) [Ugliness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ugliness/) [Vanity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/vanity/) ## Related quotes > [Hellenic science is a victory of rationalism, which appears greater, not smaller, when one is made to realize that it had been won in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-sarton/hellenic-science-is-a-victory-of-rationalism-which-appears-greater/) [George Sarton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-sarton/) > [Laugh at every mistakes and realize that no one is perfect. 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