Meaning: The quote "But the eighteenth century, on the whole, loathed melancholy" by George Saintsbury, a renowned literary critic and historian, reflects the predominant attitude towards melancholy during the 18th century. In this quote, Saintsbury suggests that the general sentiment of the era was one of aversion to melancholy, or a dislike for the mood or feeling of sadness or depression. This perspective is significant as it sheds light on the prevailing cultural and emotional attitudes of the time, offering insight into the societal norms and values that shaped the 18th-century mindset.

During the 18th century, Europe experienced a period of significant cultural, intellectual, and social change known as the Enlightenment. This era was characterized by a focus on reason, science, and progress, as well as a growing emphasis on individual rights and freedoms. The prevailing attitudes of the Enlightenment era were often marked by a rejection of superstition, tradition, and religious dogma in favor of rationalism and empiricism. This intellectual and cultural shift had a profound impact on the way people viewed and experienced emotions, including melancholy.

Melancholy has long been a subject of interest and contemplation in literature, philosophy, and art. In earlier centuries, melancholy was often romanticized and celebrated as a source of inspiration for creative expression. However, Saintsbury's quote suggests that the 18th century took a different stance, viewing melancholy with disdain or disapproval. This shift in attitude may have been influenced by the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and progress, which sought to elevate the human spirit and promote a more optimistic and rational outlook on life.

The 18th century saw the rise of new literary and artistic movements that reflected the changing attitudes towards melancholy. The literature of the period, particularly the novels and essays of the Enlightenment thinkers, often emphasized themes of social improvement, moral virtue, and the pursuit of happiness. Writers such as Daniel Defoe, Jonathan Swift, and Samuel Johnson sought to entertain and instruct their readers while promoting values of reason, moderation, and social harmony. This focus on rationality and moral improvement may have contributed to the general aversion to melancholy expressed in Saintsbury's quote.

In addition to literature, the visual arts of the 18th century also reflected a shift away from the melancholic themes that had been prevalent in earlier periods. The Rococo style, which emerged in the early 18th century, was characterized by its lightness, grace, and decorative exuberance. This aesthetic movement celebrated the pleasures of life, embracing themes of love, beauty, and leisure. The emphasis on lightheartedness and elegance in Rococo art further illustrates the prevailing distaste for melancholy during this period.

Furthermore, the social and political changes of the 18th century, including the rise of the middle class and the spread of Enlightenment ideas, may have contributed to the rejection of melancholy. As people sought to improve their social and economic status, there was a growing emphasis on industriousness, self-improvement, and the pursuit of happiness. Melancholy, with its association with sadness and introspection, may have been seen as a hindrance to these goals, further reinforcing the aversion to melancholy expressed in Saintsbury's quote.

In conclusion, George Saintsbury's quote "But the eighteenth century, on the whole, loathed melancholy" encapsulates the prevailing attitude towards melancholy during this period. The cultural, intellectual, and social changes of the 18th century, including the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason, progress, and moral improvement, contributed to a general aversion to melancholy. This rejection of melancholy is reflected in the literature, art, and societal values of the time, offering valuable insight into the emotional and cultural landscape of the 18th century.