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About this quote

What does it mean?
Hygiene marks civilization while tolerance of disorder can mark cultural refinement.
In plain terms
Being clean makes you civilized but accepting mess makes you cultured.
What can you take from it?
Cleanliness and cultural tolerance are distinct.

Where it applies

  • social critique
  • lifestyle choices
  • cultural debates

Putting it to work

  • evaluate your standards of order
  • distinguish hygiene from art

Questions to consider

  • Do you value cleanliness over art?
  • Is culture defined by comfort?

Another view

Cultural refinement often requires maintaining some order.

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