Single Idea 22341

[catalogued under 21. Aesthetics / B. Nature of Art / 8. The Arts / b. Literature]

Full Idea

The most essential and fundamental aspect of culture is the study of literature, since this is an education in how to picture and understand human situations.

Gist of Idea

Literature is the most important aspect of culture, because it teaches understanding of living

Source

Iris Murdoch (The Sovereignty of Good [1970], i)

Book Reference

Murdoch,Iris: 'The Sovereignty of Good' [RKP 1974], p.34


A Reaction

It is significant that literature belongs more clearly to a nation or community than does most music or painting. You learn about Russians from their literature, but not much from their music.