Quote by Lewis Mumford

Unable to create a meaningful life for itself, the personality takes its own revenge: from the lower depths comes a regressive form of spontaneity: raw animality forms a counterpoise to the meaningless stimuli and the vicarious life to which the ordinary man is conditioned. Getting spiritual nourishment from this chaos of events, sensations, and devious interpretations is the equivalent of trying to pick through a garbage pile for food.

Unable to create a meaningful life for itself, the personali

Summary

This quote suggests that when individuals are unable to find purpose or fulfillment in their lives, their personalities may react negatively. This reaction manifests as a regressive form of spontaneity, characterized by base instincts and animal-like behavior. This counteracts the meaningless influences and unfulfilling experiences that ordinary people are conditioned to accept. Despite the chaos and confusion, some individuals try to derive some sort of spiritual nourishment from this tumultuous existence. However, the quote likens this endeavor to searching for sustenance in a garbage pile, implying that it is ultimately futile and unsatisfying.

Topics

Modern Modernism

By Lewis Mumford

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