Brilliant Quote by John Fowles
“Even more ominous ... is the fact that since the Second World War a new kind of intellectual has emerged in large numbers. ... he is only minimally interested in the proper intellectual significance of images and objects. Such people are not really intellectuals, but visuals ... A visual is more interested in style than in content ... A visual does not feel a rioting crowd being machine-gunned by the police, he simply sees a brilliant news photograph.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The New Intellectuals, John Fowles, 1970
The quote critiques a post‑war trend of people who prioritize visual style over substantive meaning, reducing complex realities to mere images.
In simple terms: People focus on looks, not depth.
Key Takeaway
Seek depth over surface.
Themes
culture
media
perception
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
critical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- journalism criticism
- art education
- media literacy
- public discourse
Key Concepts
visualism
intellectualism
aestheticism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does visual emphasis affect understanding of events?
- Can style ever convey truth?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook the value of visual communication in shaping opinion.
