Citizens Quote by Peter Shaffer
“Worship isn't destructive, Martin. I know that. I don't. I only know it's the core of his life. What else has he got? He can hardly read. He knows no physics or engineering to make to world real for him. No paintings to show him how others have enjoyed it. No music except television jingles. No history except tales from a desperate mother. No friends. Not one kid to give him a joke, or make him know himself more moderately. He's a modern citizen for whom society doesn't exist.”
About This Quote
A critique of a life reduced to worship without broader cultural or intellectual engagement, highlighting isolation and lack of personal development.
In simple terms: Worship alone leaves a person empty.
Key Takeaway
Cultural neglect stunts growth.
Themes
Isolation
Cultural deprivation
Intellectual poverty
Social alienation
Identity loss
Mood
Melancholy
Reflective
Critical
Type
Observational
Sociological
Philosophical
When to use this quote
- A person with limited schooling
- A community lacking cultural institutions
- An individual with no social support
- A society that marginalizes non-conformists
- A youth raised in a vacuum of knowledge
Key Concepts
Religion
Education
Art
Community
Self-awareness
Practical Applications
- Develop community outreach programs
- Integrate arts into education
Questions to Reflect On
- How does cultural exposure shape personal identity?
- What role does community play in mitigating isolation?
A Different Perspective
Worship can provide meaning and community for many, countering the claim it is inherently destructive.
