Meaning:
The quote "There is but one way left to save a classic; to give up revering him and use him for our own salvation" by José Ortega y Gasset, a Spanish philosopher, reflects the idea of reinterpreting and reimagining classic works in order to make them relevant and meaningful in contemporary contexts. Ortega y Gasset was a prominent figure in 20th-century philosophy and his ideas continue to have a significant impact on the fields of existentialism, phenomenology, and cultural criticism.
In this quote, Ortega y Gasset suggests that the traditional approach of revering and preserving classics may not be sufficient to ensure their continued relevance and significance. Instead, he proposes a more dynamic and pragmatic approach to classics, one that involves actively engaging with and using them as a means of personal and collective growth and development.
To fully understand the quote, it's important to consider the context in which it was written. Ortega y Gasset lived during a period of significant social, political, and cultural upheaval, and his ideas were shaped by the tumultuous events of his time. Against this backdrop, he sought to offer a new perspective on the role of classics in a rapidly changing world.
The notion of "saving a classic" can be interpreted in several ways. On one level, it may refer to the preservation and appreciation of timeless works of art, literature, or philosophy. However, Ortega y Gasset's quote suggests that simply preserving classics in a static or reverential manner may not be enough to ensure their continued relevance and impact. Instead, he argues for a more active and engaged approach that involves using classics as a source of inspiration and guidance in our own lives.
The idea of "using classics for our own salvation" implies that these works can serve as a source of wisdom, insight, and moral guidance that is relevant to our own individual and collective challenges. By engaging with classics in a meaningful and transformative way, we can draw on their timeless wisdom to address contemporary issues and dilemmas.
Ortega y Gasset's perspective challenges the notion of classics as static and unchanging artifacts of the past. Instead, he encourages us to see them as living and dynamic resources that can be reinterpreted and reimagined in light of our present circumstances. This approach allows us to tap into the enduring relevance of classic works and apply their insights to our own lives and the world around us.
In practical terms, Ortega y Gasset's quote invites us to actively engage with classics through critical analysis, creative reinterpretation, and thoughtful application. Rather than treating classics as untouchable relics, he encourages us to embrace them as sources of inspiration and insight that can inform and enrich our own experiences.
Ultimately, Ortega y Gasset's quote challenges us to rethink our relationship with classic works and to consider how they can be used as dynamic and transformative resources in our lives. By giving up the passive reverence typically associated with classics and instead actively engaging with them, we have the opportunity to find new meaning and relevance in these timeless works. In doing so, we can ensure that classics continue to inspire and guide us in our ongoing quest for personal and collective growth and fulfillment.
In summary, José Ortega y Gasset's quote offers a thought-provoking perspective on the role of classics in our lives. By encouraging us to move beyond mere reverence and instead actively engage with and use classics for our own salvation, he invites us to consider how these timeless works can continue to inspire, guide, and enrich us in a rapidly changing world.