As the end of the century approaches, all our culture is like the culture of flies at the beginning of winter. Having lost their agility, dreamy and demented, they turn slowly about the window in the first icy mists of morning. They give themselves a last wash and brush-up, their oscillated eyes roll, and they fall down the curtains.

Summary

The quote highlights the state of culture as the century nears its end, likening it to that of flies losing their vitality in winter. It suggests that our culture has become stagnant, lacking creativity and imagination. Like disoriented flies, we aimlessly go through the motions, beautifying ourselves, but ultimately succumbing to the inevitable decline. The quote serves as a metaphor for the decline and stagnation of cultural vitality, emphasizing the need for fresh ideas and rejuvenation in order to avoid a dull and lifeless cultural existence.

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