An American of the present day reading his Sunday newspaper in a state of lazy collapse is one of the most perfect symbols of the triumph of quantity over quality that the world has yet seen.
Irving BabbittRead
Commercialism is laying its great greasy paw upon everything including the irresponsible quest of thrills; so that, whatever democracy may be theoretically, one is sometimes tempted to define it practically as standardized and commercialized melodrama.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote critiques the impact of commercialism on society and democracy, equating it to a less authentic form of art or experience.
Irving Babbitt's quote reflects a deep-seated concern regarding the pervasive influence of commercialism on various aspects of life, including democracy itself. He suggests that the pursuit of thrill and entertainment has become commodified, transforming meaningful experiences into mere standardized performances, thereby sacrificing authenticity and depth. The reference to 'melodrama' implies that what is left is often shallow and exaggerated, rather than genuine and substantial, pointing to a need for critical reflection on societal values.
Themes
CommercialismDemocracyAuthenticitySocietyArt
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the dangers of consumer culture in modern society.
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