To starve a child of the spell of the story, of the canter of the poem, oral or written, is a kind of living burial. It is to immure him in emptiness.
George SteinerRead
We know that a man can read Goethe or Rilke in the evening, that he can play Bach and Schubert, and go to his day's work at Auschwitz in the morning.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the duality of human existence, showcasing the contrast between beauty and horror.
In this quote, George Steiner highlights the ability of individuals to engage deeply with art and culture while simultaneously participating in acts of great moral atrocity. It underscores a profound philosophical observation about the human condition; that one can inhabit a world filled with beauty and culture yet also face the reality of human evil, exemplified by the reference to Auschwitz. This dual existence raises questions about the nature of humanity and the capacity for both creation and destruction.
Themes
HumanityArtAtrocityCultureDualism
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion on the resilience of the human spirit during dark times.
More from George Steiner
All quotes →The most important tribute any human being can pay to a poem or a piece of prose he or she really loves is to learn it by heart. Not by brain, by heart; the expression is vital.
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Every language is a world. Without translation, we would inhabit parishes bordering on silence.
George SteinerRead
I have every reason to believe that an individual man or woman fluent in several tongues seduces, possesses, remembers differently according to his or her use of the relevant language.
George SteinerRead
It took 10 months for me to learn to tie a lace; I must have howled with rage and frustration. But one day I could tie my laces. That no one can take from you. I profoundly distrust the pedagogy of ease.
George SteinerRead
The letter kills the spirit. The written text is mute in the face of responding challenge. It does not admit of inward growth and correction. Text subverts the absolutely vital role of memory.
George SteinerRead
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