Authority Quote by Joyce Carol Oates
“Homo sapiens is the species that invents symbols in which to invest passion and authority, then forgets that symbols are inventions.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Symbolic Nature of Humanity, 1995
Humans create symbols to invest meaning, then forget they are inventions.
In simple terms: Symbols are human inventions that we forget are made.
Key Takeaway
Remember symbols are constructs.
Themes
philosophy
symbolism
human nature
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- art
- religion
- politics
Key Concepts
meaning-making
cultural constructs
Questions to Reflect On
- How do symbols shape power?
- What happens when symbols are forgotten?
A Different Perspective
Symbols can be manipulated.
![“The rationale which accompanies that imposition of male authority euphemistically referred to as 'the battle of the sexes' bears a certain resemblance to the formulas of nations at war, where any heinousness is justified on the grounds that the enemy is either an inferior [part of the] species or…” quote by Kate Millett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/895/kate-millett-7301_accompany_the-rationale-which-accompanies-that-imp_8896.jpg)