Only the shallow know themselves.
Oscar WildeRead
The 'deep' civic function of the humanities . . . is something understood very well by totalitarian societies, which tend to keep close tabs on them, and to circumscribe them in direct proportion to how stringently the population is controlled.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The humanities play a crucial role in shaping society, especially as a tool for controlling populations in totalitarian regimes.
In this quote, Mark Slouka highlights the vital role that the humanities play in a society's civic life, pointing out that totalitarian regimes recognize and fear this influence. By monitoring and restricting access to the humanities, such societies aim to maintain control over their populace, demonstrating how integral cultural and intellectual pursuits are in fostering critical thought and civic engagement.
Themes
HumanitiesSocietyTotalitarianismControlCulture
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the importance of arts and culture in school curriculums.
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