Causes Quote by Robert Smithson
“Instead of causing us to remember the past like the old monuments, the new monuments seem to cause us to forget the future”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "Monument (as) a Site of Memory", 1970
New monuments shift focus from remembering history to neglecting future considerations.
In simple terms: New monuments cause future forgetfulness.
Key Takeaway
Design memorials that inspire future thinking.
Themes
memory
future
monuments
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
artistic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- city planning
- public art installations
- educational programs
- heritage preservation
Key Concepts
art theory
urban planning
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can art link past and future?
- What responsibilities do creators have?
A Different Perspective
Monuments can become symbols of stagnation.
![“Well the first time I performed, my mom was like how she is now when sees me on stage – all red, smiling from ear to ear. So I don’t want to mess up, [be]cause she’s smiling. Seeing my mom happy is kind of like an overwhelming feeling.” quote by Chris Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/477/chris-brown-1887_causes_well-the-first-time-i-performed-my-mom-w_4699.jpg)