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Civilisation Quote by Jose Ortega y Gasset

“[T]he direction of society has been taken over by a type of man who is not interested in the principles of civilisation. Not of this or that civilisation but from what we can judge to-day of any civilisation. ...[T]he type of man dominant to-day is a primitive one, a Naturmensch rising up in the…” quote by Jose Ortega y Gasset
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“[T]he direction of society has been taken over by a type of man who is not interested in the principles of civilisation. Not of this or that civilisation but from what we can judge to-day of any civilisation. ...[T]he type of man dominant to-day is a primitive one, a Naturmensch rising up in the midst of a civilised world.”

Jose Ortega y Gasset

About This Quote

Source Essay: Meditations on the Person and the Masses, 1930

Society is now dominated by individuals who ignore civilizational values, acting as primitive beings within a modern world.

In simple terms: Modern society is ruled by uncivilized individuals.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and challenge uncivilized attitudes.

Themes

civilization primitive nature modernity

Mood

critical reflective

Type

philosophical analytical

When to use this quote

  • political discourse
  • education reform
  • community building

Key Concepts

philosophy social critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we identify genuine civilizational values?
  • What role can education play in countering primitive attitudes?
A Different Perspective

The view may overgeneralize and ignore positive progress.

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