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Baroque Quote by Oswald Spengler

“It is the Late city that first defies the land, contradicts Nature in the lines of its silhouette, denies all Nature. It wants to be something different from and higher than Nature. These high-pitched gables, these Baroque cupolas, spires, and pinnacles, neither are, nor desire to be, related with…” quote by Oswald Spengler
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“It is the Late city that first defies the land, contradicts Nature in the lines of its silhouette, denies all Nature. It wants to be something different from and higher than Nature. These high-pitched gables, these Baroque cupolas, spires, and pinnacles, neither are, nor desire to be, related with anything in Nature. And then begins the gigantic megalopolis, the city-as-world, which suffers nothing beside itself and sets about annihilating the country picture.”

Oswald Spengler

About This Quote

Source Book: The Decline of the West, Volume I, 1918

The city tries to dominate nature, creating artificial grandeur that isolates itself and erodes the natural world.

In simple terms: Cities become artificial, opposing nature and isolating themselves.

Key Takeaway

Balance urban development with ecological respect.

Themes

urbanization nature artificiality environment civilization

Mood

reflective critical concerned

Type

philosophical environmental

When to use this quote

  • city planning
  • environmental policy
  • sustainable design
  • cultural critique

Key Concepts

philosophy urban studies ecology culture technology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What values should guide city growth?
  • How can nature be integrated into urban life?
A Different Perspective

Ignoring nature leads to ecological collapse.

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