Quote by Orson Welles, in The Third Man 1

In Italy for thirty years under the Borgias they had warfare, terror, murder and bloodshed but they produced Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and the Renaissance. In Switzerland, they had brotherly love; they had five hundred years of democracy and peace and what did that produce? The cuckoo clock.

In Italy for thirty years under the Borgias they had warfare

Summary

This quote, often attributed to Orson Welles, sarcastically highlights the paradox of creativity and innovation. It suggests that an environment of chaos and conflict, such as during the rule of the Borgias in Italy, can foster incredible artistic achievements like those of Michelangelo and da Vinci during the Renaissance. In contrast, Switzerland's prolonged period of stability and peace, symbolized by the cuckoo clock, is portrayed as lacking the same level of groundbreaking creativity. The quote raises questions about the role of turmoil and struggle in sparking human progress and artistic brilliance.

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By Orson Welles, in The Third Man 1

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