The greater the decrease in the social significance of an art form, the sharper the distinction between criticism and enjoyment by the public. The conventional is uncritically enjoyed, and the truly new is criticized with aversion. Walter Benjamin on art
The art of storytelling is reaching its end because the epic side of truth, wisdom, is dying out. Walter Benjamin on art
It is precisely the purpose of the public opinion generated by the press to make the public incapable of judging, to insinuate into it the attitude of someone irresponsible, uninformed. Walter Benjamin on attitude
The idea that happiness could have a share in beauty would be too much of a good thing. Walter Benjamin on beauty
Death is the sanction of everything the story-teller can tell. He has borrowed his authority from death. Walter Benjamin on death
Memory is not an instrument for exploring the past but its theatre. It is the medium of past experience, as the ground is the medium in which dead cities lie interred. Walter Benjamin on experience
Boredom is the dream bird that hatches the egg of experience. A rustling in the leaves drives him away. Walter Benjamin on experience
The idea that happiness could have a share in beauty would be too much of a good thing. Walter Benjamin on happiness
The only way of knowing a person is to love them without hope. Walter Benjamin on hope
All human knowledge takes the form of interpretation. Walter Benjamin on knowledge
The art of storytelling is reaching its end because the epic side of truth, wisdom, is dying out. Walter Benjamin on truth
Counsel woven into the fabric of real life is wisdom. Walter Benjamin on wisdom
The art of storytelling is reaching its end because the epic side of truth, wisdom, is dying out. Walter Benjamin on wisdom