Quote by Hans Urs von Balthasar
Beauty is the disinterested one, without which the ancient world refused to understand itself, a word which both imperceptibly and yet unmistakably has bid farewell to our new world, a world of interests, leaving it to its own avarice and sadness.
Summary
This quote emphasizes the value of beauty as something that transcends egoistic pursuits and self-interest. The ancient world embraced beauty, considering it essential to understanding their existence. However, the modern world has seemingly abandoned this notion, becoming consumed by desires and melancholia. It suggests that the neglect of beauty has led to a loss of meaning and a sense of emptiness in our contemporary society, leaving us trapped in a world driven solely by selfish desires and the resulting sadness.