I cannot help thinking that historians, looking back from the far future, will record this age as the Third Renaissance. We who are lost in it, working or looking on, can neither tell what we are doing, nor where standing; but we cannot help observing, that, just as in the Greek Renaissance, worn-out Pagan orthodoxy was penetrated by new philosophy; just as in the Italian Renaissance, Pagan philosophy, reasserting itself, fertilised again an already too inbred Christian creed; so now Orthodoxy fertilised by Science is producing a fresh and fuller conception of life - a love of Perfection, not for hope of reward, not for fear of punishment, but for Perfection's sake. Slowly, under our feet, beneath our consciousness, is forming that new philosophy, and it is in times of new philosophies that Art, itself in essence always a discovery, must flourish. Those whose sacred suns and moons are ever in the past, tell us that our Art is going to the dogs; and it is, indeed, true that we are in confusion! The waters are broken, and every nerve and sinew of the artist is strained to discover his own safety. It is an age of stir and change, a season of new wine and old bottles. Yet, assuredly, in spite of breakages and waste, a wine worth the drinking is all the time being made.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- We may be in a Third Renaissance where science fertilizes old orthodoxy, sparking new art.
- In plain terms
- This time might be a new Renaissance where science and faith mix to make new art.
- What can you take from it?
- New philosophies combining science and faith can spark art.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Are we in a Renaissance?
- How does philosophy affect art?
Another view
History rarely repeats exactly; this comparison may be optimistic.
More from John Galsworthy
Art is the great and universal refreshment. For Art is never dogmatic; holds no brief for itself; you may take it, or you may leave it. It does not force itsel…
Permalink to quote #25 Perfection, cosmically, was nothing but perfect Equanimity and Harmony; and in human relations, nothing but perfect Love and Justice. And Perfection began to g…
Permalink to quote #27 Art is the one form of human energy in the whole world, which really works for union, and destroys the barriers between man and man. It is the continual, uncon…
Permalink to quote #24
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