Living substance conquers the frenzy of destruction only in the ecstasy of procreation.
Walter BenjaminRead
In other words, the unique value of the "authentic" work of art has its basis in ritual, the location of its original use value. This ritualistic basis, however remote, is still recognizable as secularized ritual even in the most profane forms of the cult of beauty.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The true value of authentic art lies in its original purpose and ritualistic context, even if that context has evolved.
Walter Benjamin highlights the importance of understanding the original cultural and ritualistic significance of art to appreciate its authenticity. He argues that even as art transforms into forms of aesthetic beauty, its foundational value is rooted in its historical rituals and uses, which can still be identified in contemporary interpretations.
Themes
ArtAuthenticityRitualBeautyCulture
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in an art gallery to encourage patrons to reflect on the history of the artworks.
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If mythic violence is lawmaking, divine violence is law-destroying; if the former sets boundaries, the latter boundlessly destroys them; if mythic violence brings at once guilt and retribution, divine power only expiates; if the former threatens, the latter strikes; if the former is bloody, the latter is lethal without spilling blood
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Writers are really people who write books not because they are poor, but because they are dissatisfied with the books which they could buy but do not like.
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Nothing is poorer than a truth expressed as it was thought. Committed to writing in such cases, it is not even a bad photograph. Truth wants to be startled abruptly, at one stroke, from her self-immersion, whether by uproar, music or cries for help.
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I am unpacking my library. Yes I am. The books are not yet on the shelves, not yet touched by the mild boredom of order.
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