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About this quote

What does it mean?
Hellenism emphasizes spontaneous consciousness, while Hebraism focuses on strict conscience.
In plain terms
Greek culture values spontaneity, Hebrew culture values strict conscience.
What can you take from it?
Know the difference between Greek and Hebrew ideals.

Where it applies

  • comparative study
  • historical analysis
  • philosophical discussion

Putting it to work

  • studying history
  • comparing cultures
  • examining conscience

Questions to consider

  • Which side suits you better?
  • How do these ideals clash?

Another view

It generalizes complex traditions into single traits.

More from Matthew Arnold

  1. Everything in our political life tends to hide from us that there is anything wiser than our ordinary selves.

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  2. The best poetry will be found to have a power of forming, sustaining, and delighting us, as nothing else can.

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  3. The men of culture are the true apostles of equality.

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