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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 Ref
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.