Meaning: The quote by Stephen Bayley touches upon the shift from traditional religious symbols to consumerism in modern society. Bayley suggests that in the absence of strong religious influence, people have turned to consumerism and the act of shopping as a replacement for spiritual fulfillment and guidance. This shift is reflective of the changing values and priorities in contemporary culture, where material possessions and consumption play a significant role in shaping individual identity and societal norms.

The first part of the quote, "In an age robbed of religious symbols, going to the shops replaces going to the church," highlights the diminishing influence of traditional religious institutions and symbols in modern life. As organized religion has waned in many parts of the world, people have sought alternative sources of meaning and fulfillment. The act of going to the shops, with its promise of acquiring new goods and experiences, has become a common ritual that parallels the traditional practice of attending religious services.

The second part of the quote, "We have a free choice, but at a price. We can win experience, but never achieve innocence," delves into the consequences of this cultural shift. While the modern individual has the freedom to make choices and pursue experiences, there is a trade-off involved. The pursuit of material wealth and consumption comes at the cost of innocence and simplicity. The endless quest for new experiences and possessions can lead to a loss of purity and a sense of moral or spiritual innocence.

The final part of the quote, "Marx knew that the epic activities of the modern world involve not lance and sword but dry goods," draws attention to the profound impact of consumerism on contemporary society. Karl Marx, a prominent critic of capitalism, understood that the defining activities of the modern era are not grand battles or conquests but rather the production, distribution, and consumption of goods. The reference to "dry goods" emphasizes the mundane nature of modern economic activities and how they have replaced the epic narratives of the past.

Overall, Stephen Bayley's quote offers a thought-provoking commentary on the cultural and spiritual transformations brought about by the ascendancy of consumerism in the absence of traditional religious symbolism. It invites reflection on the ways in which materialism, choice, and experience have come to shape individual and collective identities in the contemporary world. The quote encourages us to consider the implications of this shift and the potential loss of innocence and depth in our pursuit of material wealth and experiences.