"It is a sure sign that a culture has reached a dead end when it is no longer intrigued by its myths"
- Greil Marcus
About this Quote
This quote by Greil Marcus talks to the value of myths in a culture. Myths are stories that have been passed down through generations, often with a moral or lesson. They are a way for cultures to remember their history and to hand down their worths. When a culture stops being intrigued by its myths, it is a sign that it has lost its connection to its previous and is no longer interested in learning from it. This can be an indication of stagnancy and an absence of imagination, as the culture is no longer wanting to its myths for inspiration. It is an indication that the culture has reached a dead end and is in need of new ideas and viewpoints.
"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"
