It is in books, poems, paintings which often give us the confidence to take seriously feelings in ourselves that we might otherwise never have thought to acknowledge.
Alain De BottonRead
We used to build temples, and museums are about as close as secular society dares to go in facing up to the idea that a good building can change your life (and a bad one ruin it).
Interpretation
What this quote means
Good architecture has the power to impact our lives positively, while poor designs can lead to negative experiences.
In this quote, Alain De Botton reflects on the transformative power of architecture. He suggests that historically significant structures were seen as temples, places of reverence, and shelter for the spirit. Modern museums represent a secular attempt to appreciate and acknowledge how built environments can influence human well-being, reinforcing the idea that quality architecture can uplift and inspire, whereas poorly designed places can detract from our experiences and quality of life.
Themes
ArchitectureBuildingsImpactDesignLife
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about urban development, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of good design.
More from Alain De Botton
All quotes →Taking architecture seriously therefore makes some singular and strenuous demands upon us...It means conceding that we are inconveniently vulnerable to the colour of our wallpaper and that our sense of purpose may be derailed by an unfortunate bedspread
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The more closely we analyze what we consider 'sexy,' the more clearly we will understand that eroticism is the feeling of excitement we experience at finding another human being who shares our values and our sense of the meaning of existence.
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Good books put a finger on emotions that are deeply our own - but that we could never have described on our own.
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The challenge of modern relationships: how to prove more interesting than the other's smartphone.
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It is the most ambitious and driven among us who are the most sorely in need of having our reckless hopes dampened through immersive dousings in the darkness which religions have explored. This is a particular priority for secular Americans, perhaps the most anxious and disappointed people on earth, for their nation infuses them with the most extreme hopes about what they may be able to achieve in their working lives and relationships.
Alain De BottonRead
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