Bourgeois Quote by Thomas Mann
““Naphta loathed the bourgeois state and its love of security. He found occasion to express this loathing one autumn afternoon when, as they were walking along the main street, it suddenly began to rain and, as if on command, there was an umbrella over every head. That was a symbol of cowardice and vulgar effeminacy, the end product of civilization. An incident like the sinking of the Titanic was atavistic, true, but its effect was most refreshing, it was the handwriting on the wall. Afterward, of course, came the hue and cry for more security in shipping. How pitiful, but such weak-willed humanitarianism squared very nicely with the wolfish cruelty and villainy of slaughter on the economic battlefield known as the bourgeois state. War, war ! He was all for it – the universal lust for war seemed quite honorable in comparison.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Magic Mountain, 1924
He criticizes bourgeois society's obsession with security, viewing it as cowardly, and glorifies war as a pure, honorable alternative.
In simple terms: He despises the safety‑obsessed middle class and romanticizes conflict.
Key Takeaway
Question the comfort of modern civilization.
Themes
politics
war
civilization
Mood
critical
philosophical
Type
literary
controversial
When to use this quote
- political activism
- historical analysis
- ethical debate
Key Concepts
existentialism
critique of modernity
Questions to Reflect On
- Is security always cowardice?
- What values truly define honor?
A Different Perspective
War brings destruction, not honor; security can be a virtue.
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