Christianity Quote by Owen Barfield
““When we recall the great influence which Spenser's poetry has exerted on English poets who have lived and written since his day, we can clearly see how the two kinds of Platonism - a direct Platonism, and a Platonism long ago transmuted and worked right down into the emotions of common people by the passionate Christianity of the Dark and Middle Ages - combined to beget the infinite suggestiveness which is now contained in such words as 'love' and 'beauty'. Let us remember, then, that every time we abuse these terms, or use them too lightly, we are draining them of their power; every time a society journalist or a film producer exploits this vast suggestiveness to tickle a vanity or dignify a lust, he is squandering a great pile of spiritual capital which has been laid up by centuries of weary effort.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Influence of Spenser" by Owen Barfield, 1951
The quote warns that overusing lofty terms like love and beauty diminishes their deep, historic spiritual weight, turning them into cheap marketing tools.
In simple terms: Misusing profound words empties their meaning.
Key Takeaway
Guard the depth of language.
Themes
language
culture
spirituality
media
ethics
Mood
reflective
critical
concerned
Type
philosophical
cautionary
ethical
When to use this quote
- advertising
- film criticism
- literary analysis
- public discourse
- education
Key Concepts
Platonism
semantic decay
cultural capital
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we protect the sanctity of profound concepts?
- What responsibilities do creators have when using such terms?
A Different Perspective
Words lose power when trivialized, reducing their capacity to inspire.
