In politics continental Europe was infantile - horrifying. What America lacked, for all its political stability, was the capacity to enjoy intellectual pleasures as though they were sensual pleasures. This is what Europe offered, or was said to offer.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Bellow contrasts infantile continental European politics with America's lack of capacity to enjoy intellectual pleasures sensually.
- In plain terms
- Europe offered intellectual pleasures America lacked, despite European political instability.
- What can you take from it?
- Recognize cultural differences in how intellectual and sensual pleasures are valued.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What intellectual pleasures do your culture offer?
- How does politics affect cultural enjoyment?
Another view
The distinction between Europe and America on this point is a generalization.
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