Meaning: Friedensreich Hundertwasser, an Austrian artist, architect, and environmental activist, made the provocative statement, "Just carrying a ruler with you in your pocket should be forbidden, at least on a moral basis. The ruler is the symbol of the new illiteracy. The ruler is the symptom of the new disease, disintegration of our civilization." This quote, though seemingly enigmatic at first, reflects Hundertwasser's deep-seated beliefs about the impact of standardization and conformity on human creativity and individuality.

Hundertwasser was a staunch critic of what he perceived as the dehumanizing effects of modern society, particularly in relation to architecture and urban planning. He believed that the imposition of rigid, straight lines and standardized measurements in design and construction was detrimental to the natural harmony and diversity of human existence. In this context, the ruler symbolizes the imposition of uniformity and the suppression of individual expression.

The act of carrying a ruler in one's pocket, according to Hundertwasser, represents a tacit acceptance of this standardized, homogenized worldview. By forbidding it on a moral basis, he calls for a rejection of the conformity and rigidity that the ruler represents. In essence, he is advocating for a return to a more organic, human-centric approach to creativity and living.

Hundertwasser's perspective can be seen as a reaction against the industrialization and mass production that characterized the 20th century. He sought to challenge the prevailing norms and champion a more holistic, ecologically conscious approach to design and architecture. His own architectural designs, characterized by irregular shapes, vibrant colors, and incorporation of natural elements, exemplify his rejection of the sterile, uniform aesthetics of modernist architecture.

In the context of "the new illiteracy" and "the new disease," Hundertwasser is drawing attention to the loss of essential human qualities and connection to nature in the face of technological and industrial progress. The emphasis on standardized, utilitarian forms, he argues, has led to a kind of cultural impoverishment and alienation. The use of the term "illiteracy" suggests a failure to understand or appreciate the true richness and complexity of the human experience, while "disease" implies a widespread malaise or dysfunction within society.

Hundertwasser's ideas resonate with broader philosophical and cultural movements that emerged in the 20th century, such as existentialism and the counterculture. These movements similarly sought to challenge the dehumanizing effects of modernity and advocate for a more authentic, individualistic way of life. Hundertwasser's critique of the ruler can be understood as a call for a reclamation of human agency and creativity in the face of pervasive standardization and conformity.

In summary, Friedensreich Hundertwasser's quote about the forbidden ruler encapsulates his deep-seated concerns about the dehumanizing impact of standardization and conformity on human creativity and individuality. It reflects his broader philosophy of advocating for a more holistic, ecologically conscious approach to design and architecture, one that celebrates diversity and human agency. Hundertwasser's ideas continue to resonate as a powerful critique of the challenges posed by modernity and a compelling call for a more authentic, harmonious way of life.