Every society rests in the last resort on the recognition of common principles and common ideals, and if it makes no moral or spiritual appeal to the loyalty of its members, it must inevitably fall to pieces.
Christopher DawsonRead
We have entered a new phase of culture - we may call it the Age of the Cinema - in which the most amazing perfection of scientific technique is being devoted to purely ephemeral objects, without any consideration of their ultimate justification. It seems as though a new society was arising which will acknowledge no hierarchy of values, no intellectual authority, and no social or religious tradition, but which will live for the moment in a chaos of pure sensation.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the influence of cinema in modern culture, where fleeting experiences take precedence over traditional values and authority.
Christopher Dawson's quote suggests that we are in an era dominated by cinema, where advanced scientific techniques are utilized to create work that is often temporary and lacks deeper significance. This shift indicates a society that prioritizes immediate gratification and sensory experiences over established hierarchies and intellectual or ethical frameworks, leading to a cultural landscape characterized by chaos and a focus on the present moment rather than lasting values.
Themes
CinemaCultureValuesSocietySensation
In practice
Example use cases
During a film festival, discussing the impact of cinema on cultural values.
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