Abomination Quote by Leonard Shlain
“I suggest that a culture adopting an alphabet would denigrate right hemispheric values because the alphabet is a left hemispheric mode of reception. And this right hemispheric denigration would manifest in two principal ways: Women's rights would be taken away, and images would be declared abominations.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Alphabet Versus the Goddess by Leonard Shlain, 1999
Adopting alphabetic writing emphasizes left‑brain analytical thinking, which can diminish right‑brain holistic values, potentially harming women's rights and vilifying visual art.
In simple terms: Alphabet focus can suppress holistic values, affecting gender equality and visual culture.
Key Takeaway
Balance analytical and holistic approaches.
Themes
gender equality
visual arts
brain hemispheres
culture
language
rights
Mood
concerned
critical
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- education policy
- media regulation
- art criticism
- gender advocacy
- literacy programs
Key Concepts
left‑brain bias
cognitive dualism
cultural impact
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies value both analytical and holistic perspectives?
- What safeguards protect visual culture and gender rights?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on one hemisphere may oversimplify complex social dynamics.
