The Enlightenment, the Age of Reason, is seen as the beginning of modern depravity.
Umberto EcoRead
Every European goes on the streets and sees medieval churches. Not if you live in Indianapolis. The most exciting letters I received were from people in places like that.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the contrast between culturally rich environments and less historically preserved ones, emphasizing the value of diverse experiences.
Umberto Eco's quote captures the idea that people from cities steeped in history, such as those in Europe, have a different cultural landscape compared to those in places like Indianapolis. It highlights the unique experiences of individuals living in less historically rich areas and suggests that excitement and inspiration can arise from unexpected sources, valuing personal connections and the excitement of communication across different cultural backgrounds.
Themes
CultureHistoryExperienceCommunicationDiversity
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on global cultures, you can quote Eco to emphasize the importance of diverse historical perspectives.
More from Umberto Eco
All quotes →I think that at a certain age, say fifteen or sixteen, poetry is like masturbation. But later in life good poets burn their early poetry, and bad poets publish it. Thankfully I gave up rather quickly.
Umberto EcoRead
But why do some people support [the heretics]?" "Because it serves their purposes, which concern the faith rarely, and more often the conquest of power." "Is that why the church of Rome accuses all its adversaries of heresy?" "That is why, and that is also why it recognizes as orthodoxy any heresy it can bring back under its own control or must accept because the heresy has become too strong.
Umberto EcoRead
You die, but most of what you have accumulated will not be lost; you are leaving a message in a bottle.
Umberto EcoRead
"Then we are living in a place abandoned by God," I said, disheartened. "Have you found any places where God would have felt at home?" William asked me, looking down from his great height.
Umberto EcoRead
The lunatic is all idée fixe, and whatever he comes across confirms his lunacy. You can tell him by the liberties he takes with common sense, by his flashes of inspiration, and by the fact that sooner or later he brings up the Templars.
Umberto EcoRead
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True religion is not about possessing the truth. No religion does that. It is rather an invitation into a journey that leads one toward the mystery of God. Idolatry is religion pretending that it has all the answers.
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