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Government Quote by Wyndham Lewis

“The ideas of a time are like the clothes of a season: they are as arbitrary, as much imposed by some superior will which is seldom explicit. They are utilitarian and political, the instruments of smooth-running government.” quote by Wyndham Lewis
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“The ideas of a time are like the clothes of a season: they are as arbitrary, as much imposed by some superior will which is seldom explicit. They are utilitarian and political, the instruments of smooth-running government.”

Wyndham Lewis

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Art of Being Written, 1928

Ideas reflect their era’s constraints and are shaped by hidden powers.

In simple terms: Ideas are era‑bound and influenced.

Key Takeaway

Question the forces shaping ideas.

Themes

culture power ideas

Mood

critical thoughtful

Type

analytical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • political analysis
  • media criticism
  • academic research

Key Concepts

socialconstruction ideology historicalcontext

Questions to Reflect On

  • Who benefits from prevailing ideas?
  • How can we uncover hidden influences?
A Different Perspective

Ideas may be more flexible than suggested.

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