Eiffel tower Quote by Roland Barthes
![“In order to satisfy this great oneiric function, which makes it not a kind of total monument, the [Eiffel] Tower must escape reason. The first condition of this victorious flight is that the Tower be an utterly useless monument.” quote by Roland Barthes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/118/roland-barthes-1062_eiffel-tower_in-order-to-satisfy-this-great-oneiric-f_1078821.jpg)
““In order to satisfy this great oneiric function, which makes it not a kind of total monument, the [Eiffel] Tower must escape reason. The first condition of this victorious flight is that the Tower be an utterly useless monument. ””
About This Quote
Source Book: Mythologies, 1957
The quote argues that a monument’s power lies in its irrationality and uselessness, which frees it from functional constraints.
In simple terms: Monuments gain meaning when they are irrational and purposeless.
Key Takeaway
Embrace the irrational to create lasting impact.
Themes
art
philosophy
monuments
irrationality
meaning
Mood
reflective
critical
intellectual
Type
analytical
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- urban design
- public art
- cultural criticism
- architectural theory
Key Concepts
myth
symbolic function
cultural critique
Questions to Reflect On
- Can a functional structure ever be truly iconic?
- What does “useless” mean in contemporary culture?
A Different Perspective
If a monument serves a practical purpose, it may lose its symbolic power.
![“Being the most striking manifestation of the art of metal structures by which our engineers have shown in Europe, it [the Eiffel Tower] is one of the most striking of our modern national genius.” quote by Gustave Eiffel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/084/gustave-eiffel-40993_architecture_being-the-most-striking-manifestation-of_643147.jpg)
