Quote #262,251

"We are at heart so profoundly anarchistic that the only form of state we can imagine living in is Ut..." — Lionel Trilling

We are at heart so profoundly anarchistic that the only form of state we can imagine living in is Utopian; and so cynical that the only Utopia we can believe in is authoritarian.
Lionel Trilling
Lionel Trilling Critic • American
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It is possible that the contemplation of cruelty will not make us humane but cruel; that the reiteration of the badness of our spiritual condition will make us consent to it.
— Lionel Trilling
The poet is in command of his fantasy, while it is exactly the mark of the neurotic that he is possessed by his fantasy.
— Lionel Trilling
It is now life and not art that requires the willing suspension of disbelief.
— Lionel Trilling
The immature artist imitates. Mature artists steal.
— Lionel Trilling