Quote Originally Posted by Larry124 View Post
William Morris:
So long as the system of competition in the production and exchange of the means of life goes on, the degradation of the arts will go on; and if that system is to last for ever, then art is doomed, and will surely die; that is to say, civilization will die.
I know who William Morris was (at least I think I do), but I didn't know he was so pithy.

I particularly agree with MOR's quote...and this last one. Thinking about it I would have to say that Morris's prediction is already upon us--there is no standard of civilized behaviour that someone, somewhere...and increasingly in high-exposure circles...will not gainsay or deride.

Just as there is no standard of excellence or quality that someone, somewhere, will not gainsay or deride.


Without civilized behaviour, there is no civilization; without a standard of excellence everything is reduced to the mundane and vulgar.