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Animal Quote by Jeanette Winterson

“Two things significantly distinguish human beings from the other animals; an interest in the past and the possibility of language. Brought together they make a third: Art. The invisible city not calculated to exist. Beyond the lofty pretensions of the merely ceremonial, long after the dramatic…” quote by Jeanette Winterson
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“Two things significantly distinguish human beings from the other animals; an interest in the past and the possibility of language. Brought together they make a third: Art. The invisible city not calculated to exist. Beyond the lofty pretensions of the merely ceremonial, long after the dramatic connivings of plitical life, like it or not, it remains. Time past eternally present and undestroyed.”

Jeanette Winterson

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Invisible City, 1995

Human uniqueness lies in reflecting on the past and using language, which together create art, an imagined city beyond calculation.

In simple terms: Our past focus and language produce art, an imagined city.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate reflection and language to create art.

Themes

art history language human nature

Mood

thoughtful poetic

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • writing
  • visual arts
  • education
  • cultural critique

Key Concepts

creativity philosophy existentialism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does language shape our perception of history?
  • What role does imagination play in societal narratives?
A Different Perspective

Art may become inaccessible if detached from lived experience.

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