Able Quote by Leonard Bernstein
“I think it is time we learned the lesson of our century: that the progress of the human spirit must keep pace with technological and scientific progress, or that spirit will die. It is incumbent on our educators to remember this; and music is at the top of the spiritual must list. When the study of the arts leads to the adoration of the formula (heaven forbid), we shall be lost. But as long as we insist on maintaining artistic vitality, we are able to hope in man”
About This Quote
Source Speech: “The Role of the Arts in Education” (lecture), 1965
Bernstein warns that human spirit must evolve with technology, emphasizing music’s central spiritual role and urging educators to keep artistic vitality alive.
In simple terms: Human spirit must keep up with tech; music is essential; keep art alive.
Prioritize arts to sustain humanity.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- schools
- curricula
- policy making
- community programs
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can schools integrate arts without sacrificing STEM?
- What policies best support artistic vitality?
Balancing tech advancement with artistic funding can be challenging.