Benjamin

Philosopher

Walter Benjamin was a German-Jewish philosopher and cultural critic known for his explorations of art, history, and modernity, particularly in his essay 'The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction.'

Born
January 1, 1940
Quotes
13
Rank
#2871

About Benjamin

Benjamin — Life and Legacy

Walter Benjamin was a pivotal figure in 20th-century philosophy and cultural criticism, whose works delve into the complexities of art, history, and society. His essay 'The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction' challenges traditional notions of art's authenticity and value, arguing that mass reproduction alters our perception and engagement with art. Benjamin's concept of 'aura' captures the unique presence of artworks, which he believed diminishes in a world dominated by mechanical reproduction, leading to a loss of critical engagement with culture. Benjamin's thoughts on history are equally significant; he famously remarked that history is not a linear progression but a series of moments that must be critically examined. His perspective emphasizes the importance of remembering marginalized voices and the struggles against oppression, which resonates in contemporary discussions about social justice. Through his innovative ideas, Benjamin not only critiques modernity but also invites us to reconsider our relationship with art and history, making his insights profoundly relevant today.

Quote collection

Benjamin quotes

13 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.

Benjamin Philosopher
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"Unless we put medical freedom into the constitution the time will come when medicine will organize into an undercover dictatorship and force people who wish doctors and treatment of their own choice to submit to only what the dictating outfit offers."

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Benjamin Philosopher
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"Bob Riley, a kind soul who “treads lightly in this world,” is in the 22nd year of a federal life without parole LSD sentence."

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Benjamin Philosopher
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"The mountain rill Seeks with no surer flow the far bright sea, Than my unchang'd affections flow to thee."

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Benjamin Philosopher
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"Pure and undimmed, thy angel smile Is mirrored on my dreams, Like evening's sunset-girded isle Upon her shadowed streams: And o'er my thoughts thy vision floats, Like melody of spring-bird, notes; When the blue halcyon gently laves His plumage in the flashing waves."

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Benjamin Philosopher
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"If we don't hang together, by Heavens we shall hang separately"

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Benjamin Philosopher
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"Great faith it needs, according to my view, To trust in that which never could be true."

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Benjamin Philosopher
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"But then to part! to part when Time Has wreathed his tireless wing with flowers, And spread the richness of a clime Of fairy o'er this land of ours; When glistening leaves and shaded streams In the soft light of Autumn lay, And, like the music of our dreams, The viewless breezes seemed to stray 'T was bitter then to rend the heart With the sad thought that we must part; And, like some low and mournful spell, To whisper but one word farewell!"

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Benjamin Philosopher
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"Press on! If Fortune play thee false To-day, tomorrow she'll be true; Whom now she sinks she now exalts, Taking old gifts and granting new, The wisdom of the present hour Makes up the follies past and gone; To weakness, strength succeeds, and power From frailty springs! Press on, press on!"

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Benjamin Philosopher
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"The art of getting riches consists very much in thrift. All men are not equally qualified for getting money, but it is in the power of every one alike to practice this virtue."

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Benjamin Philosopher
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"Man and woman have each of them qualities and tempers in which the other is deficient, and which in union contribute to the common felicity."

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Benjamin Philosopher
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"I'm king of the dead and I make my throne On a monument slab of marble cold; And my scepter of rule is the spade I hold: Come they from cottage or come they from hall, Mankind are my subjects, all, all, all! Let them loiter in pleasure or toilfully spin I gather them in, I gather them in!"

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Benjamin Philosopher
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"There are in life real evils enough, and it is folly to afflict ourselves with imaginary ones; it is time enough when the real ones arrive."

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