The arts put man at the center of the universe, whether he belongs there or not. Military science, on the other hand, treats man as garbage - and his children, and his cities, too. Military science is probably right about the contemptibility of man in the vastness of the universe. Still - I deny that contemptibility, and I beg you to deny it, through the creation of appreciation of art.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Art elevates humanity despite our smallness, while military science views us as insignificant. Vonnegut argues we should deny this contempt through art.
- In plain terms
- Art makes us feel important even if we are not, while war treats us as worthless.
- What can you take from it?
- Create and appreciate art to affirm human value against cosmic indifference.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why do we need to feel central?
- Can art truly counter violence?
Another view
Art may feel comforting but does not change physical reality or prevent war.
More from Kurt Vonnegut
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