Character Quote by Walker Percy
““Ours is the only civilization in history which has enshrined mediocrity as its national ideal. Others have been corrupt, but leave it to us to invent the most undistinguished of corruptions. No orgies, no blood running in the street, no babies thrown off cliffs. No, we're sentimental people and we horrify easily. True, our moral fiber is rotten. Our national character stinks to high heaven. But we are kinder than ever. No prostitute ever responded with a quicker spasm of sentiment when our hearts are touched. Nor is there anything new about thievery, lewdness, lying, adultery. What is new is that in our time liars and thieves and whores and adulterers wish also to be congratulated by the great public, if their confession is sufficiently psychological or strikes a sufficiently heartfelt and authentic note of sincerity. Oh, we are sincere. I do not deny it. I don't know anybody nowadays who is not sincere.””
About This Quote
The passage satirically condemns a culture that celebrates mediocrity and superficial sincerity while masking deeper moral decay.
In simple terms: Society pretends to be sincere but hides corruption and emptiness.
Key Takeaway
Superficial virtue masks systemic moral decline.
Themes
cultural criticism
hypocrisy
morality
sincerity
Mood
wry
cynical
reflective
Type
satire
social commentary
When to use this quote
- political rhetoric
- corporate PR
- celebrity culture
Key Concepts
social conformity
ethical relativism
Practical Applications
- Encourage authentic ethical standards
- Promote critical media literacy
Questions to Reflect On
- What defines genuine sincerity in a society that rewards performance over truth?
- How can we differentiate between authentic virtue and performative morality?
A Different Perspective
The satire may overgeneralize, ignoring genuine acts of integrity within the same culture.
![“[In art] you are telling the reader or the listener or the viewer something he already knows but which he doesn't quite know that he knows, so that in the action of communication he experiences a recognition, a feeling that he has been there before, a shock of recognition.” quote by Walker Percy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3f1/walker-percy-1958_action_in-art-you-are-telling-the-reader-or-the_116938.jpg)
