Amusement Quote by John Herschel
“Music and dancing (the more the pity) have become so closely associated with ideas of riot and debauchery among the less cultivated classes, that a taste for them, for their own sakes, can hardly be said to exist, and before they can be recommended as innocent or safe amusements, a very great change of ideas must take place.”
About This Quote
Source Treat: The Elements of Photography, 1864
He argues that music and dance are linked to disorder among the uncultivated, so they cannot be seen as harmless until societal views shift.
In simple terms: Music and dance are viewed as dangerous for the uncultivated.
Key Takeaway
Change attitudes before deeming them innocent.
Themes
culture
morality
art
class
perception
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
observational
When to use this quote
- public policy debates
- education curricula
- community events
- media representation
Key Concepts
social norms
cultural stigma
entertainment
class distinction
Questions to Reflect On
- Can cultural perceptions of art change without broader social reform?
- What role does class play in defining “acceptable” entertainment?
A Different Perspective
The view may overlook the positive social functions of music and dance.
![“[When nature appears complicated:] The moment we contemplate it as it is, and attain a position from which we can take a commanding view, though but of a small part of its plan, we never fail to recognize that sublime simplicity on which the mind rests satisfied that it has attained the truth.” quote by John Herschel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c0b/john-herschel-18983_complicated_when-nature-appears-complicated-the-mome_203650.jpg)
![“Accustomed to trace the operation of general causes, and the exemplification of general laws, in circumstances where the uninformed and unenquiring eye perceives neither novelty nor beauty, [the scientist and natural philosopher] walks in the midst of wonders.” quote by John Herschel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/91d/john-herschel-18983_accustomed_accustomed-to-trace-the-operation-of-gen_1136585.jpg)
