"The only hope is that our civilization will collapse at a certain point, as always happens in history. Then, out of barbarity, a renaissance"
- Pierre Schaeffer
About this Quote
This quote by Pierre Schaeffer talks to the cyclical nature of history. He suggests that civilizations will undoubtedly collapse, and out of the resulting barbarity, a renaissance will emerge. This concept indicates that civilizations are not long-term, and that they will eventually be replaced by something brand-new. It likewise suggests that out of destruction and turmoil, something beautiful and brand-new can be born. This concept is both confident and cautionary, as it indicates that while civilizations can be destroyed, something brand-new and better can emerge from the ashes. It is a tip that while civilizations may reoccur, humanity can developing something new and stunning out of the destruction.
"A lawyer without history or literature is a mechanic, a mere working mason; if he possesses some knowledge of these, he may venture to call himself an architect"
"We have our own history, our own language, our own culture. But our destiny is also tied up with the destinies of other people - history has made us all South Africans"