Cathartic Quote by Harold Innis
“It is suggested that all written works, including this one, have dangerous implications to the vitality of an oral tradition and to the health of a civilization, particularly if they thwart the interest of a people in culture, and following Aristotle, the cathartic effects of culture. "It is written but I say unto you" is a powerful directive to Western civilization.”
About This Quote
Source Book: “The Bias of Communication,” Harold Innis, 1950
Written works can undermine oral traditions and cultural health, especially when they suppress popular cultural interest, echoing Aristotle’s ideas on catharsis
In simple terms: Writing may harm oral culture and societal vitality
Key Takeaway
Balance written and oral traditions to preserve culture
Themes
culture
communication
civilization
Mood
concerned
analytical
Type
critical
scholarly
When to use this quote
- education policy
- media regulation
- cultural preservation
- public discourse
Key Concepts
media theory
Aristotelian catharsis
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies protect oral traditions?
- What role should written media play in cultural health?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on text can alienate communities and reduce cultural participation
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