"Exclusively oral cultures are unencumbered by dead knowledge, dead facts. Libraries, on the other hand, are full of them"
- Huston Smith
About this Quote
This quote by Huston Smith is referring to the difference between cultures that rely entirely on oral tradition and those that have access to written records. Oral cultures are not strained by the build-up of knowledge that is no longer relevant or beneficial, as it is not taped and passed down. Libraries, nevertheless, are full of information that might no longer be applicable or beneficial, as it is kept and maintained for posterity. This quote is emphasizing the value of having the ability to discard out-of-date knowledge and concentrate on what is relevant and helpful in the present. It also highlights the value of oral cultures, which have the ability to adjust and progress quicker than those with access to composed records.
This quote is written / told by Huston Smith somewhere between May 31, 1919 and today. He/she was a famous Theologian from USA.
The author also have 12 other quotes.
"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"
"Of course as children, we all, in all cultures and societies, learn behavior from observation, imitation, and encouragement of various kinds. So by the suggestion made, we all 'pretend' most of the time"
"Without culture, and the relative freedom it implies, society, even when perfect, is but a jungle. This is why any authentic creation is a gift to the future"
