Free election of masters does not abolish the masters or the slaves.
Herbert MarcuseRead
Art cannot change the world, but it can contribute to changing the consciousness and drives of the men and women who could change the world.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Art influences people's thoughts and feelings, which can lead to broader societal change.
Herbert Marcuse emphasizes that while art may not directly alter the physical realities of the world, it plays a crucial role in shaping the mindset and motivations of individuals. By fostering awareness and critical thinking, art empowers people to enact change in their communities and beyond.
Themes
ArtChangeConsciousnessSocietyInfluence
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on the importance of cultural initiatives, I referenced Marcuse's quote to highlight how art fuels social progress.
More from Herbert Marcuse
All quotes βContemporary industrial society is now characterised more than ever by "the need for stupefying work where it is no longer a real necessity."
Herbert MarcuseRead
The existing liberties and the existing gratifications are tied to the requirements of repression: they themselves become instruments of repression.
Herbert MarcuseRead
By virtue of the way it has organized its technological base, contemporary industrial society tends to be totalitarian. For "totalitarian" is not only a terroristic political coordination of society, but also a non-terroristic economic-technical coordination which operates through the manipulation of needs by vested interests.
Herbert MarcuseRead
However, if "free choice" means more than a small selection between pre-established necessities, and if the inclinations and impulses used in work are other than those preshaped by a repressive reality principle, then satisfaction in daily work is only a rare privilege.
Herbert MarcuseRead
The sickness of the individual is ultimately caused by and sustained by the sickness of his civilization
Herbert MarcuseRead
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The photographer must bear the responsibility for his work and its effect β¦[for] photographic journalism, because of its tremendous audience reached by publications using it, has more influence on public thinking than any other branch of photography.
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Artists are here to disturb the peace.
James A. BaldwinRead