Accounts Quote by Pankaj Mishra
“When I first decided to be a writer, that meant dealing with preoccupations and concerns that took little account of Indian traditions. I saw India's past as part of an antiquity rendered irrelevant by modernity, which with its science, nation states, free enterprises, and consumer societies was supposed to have solved all problems.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Romantics of the Future, 2015
Modernity is portrayed as erasing cultural roots, treating ancient traditions as irrelevant in a world of science, nation‑states, and consumerism.
In simple terms: Modernity dismisses tradition as outdated.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the value of cultural heritage alongside progress.
Themes
culture
modernity
identity
colonialism
globalization
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- policy making
- education curricula
- media analysis
- personal identity formation
Key Concepts
postcolonial theory
cultural continuity
technological determinism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your own cultural background shape your view of progress?
- In what ways can modern institutions honor ancient traditions?
A Different Perspective
Modernity can also preserve traditions through reinterpretation, not just erase them.
