"So long as the system of competition in the production and exchange of the means of life goes on, the degradation of the arts will go on; and if that system is to last for ever, then art is doomed, and will surely die; that is to say, civilization will die"

This quote by William Morris speaks with the suggestion that the current system of competition in the manufacturing as well as exchange of the means of life is damaging to the arts. He suggests that if this system is to last for life, then art is doomed as well as human being will certainly die. This indicates that the present system of competition is not sustainable and that it is bring about the destruction of the arts. Morris is recommending that in order for human being to endure, the system of competitors need to be replaced with a more fair system that permits the thriving of the arts. He is warning that if the present system is not altered, after that human being will ultimately die.