Meaning: This quote by Irving Babbitt, an influential literary critic and professor of literature, reflects his belief in the importance of discipline, standards, and criticism in the pursuit of excellence. Babbitt was a prominent figure in the early 20th century, known for his conservative views on literature and culture. His ideas were influential in shaping the literary and cultural debates of his time and continue to be relevant in discussions about the role of criticism and standards in contemporary society.

Babbitt's emphasis on the need for discipline suggests a belief in the importance of self-control, rigor, and adherence to principles in all aspects of life. In the context of literature and culture, discipline could refer to the need for writers and artists to adhere to certain standards of craftsmanship, moral integrity, and intellectual rigor. Babbitt was known for his criticism of what he saw as the decline of moral and intellectual standards in literature and culture, and his advocacy for a return to classical virtues and discipline in artistic and intellectual pursuits.

The mention of standards in the quote indicates Babbitt's belief in the necessity of clear, well-defined criteria for evaluating and judging literary and cultural works. Babbitt was critical of what he saw as the relativism and subjectivity of modern culture, and he argued for the importance of established standards that could serve as a basis for criticism and judgment. By advocating for standards, Babbitt sought to establish a framework for evaluating artistic and intellectual endeavors, and to provide a basis for distinguishing between work of genuine merit and that which was lacking in quality or substance.

Furthermore, Babbitt's assertion that criticism is essential for establishing standards reflects his belief in the role of critical engagement in the cultivation of literary and cultural excellence. Babbitt saw criticism not as a purely negative or destructive force, but as a necessary component of intellectual and artistic development. Through thoughtful and rigorous criticism, Babbitt believed that standards could be refined, artistic and intellectual endeavors could be improved, and the cultural discourse could be elevated.

Babbitt's ideas about discipline, standards, and criticism were deeply rooted in his broader philosophical and cultural outlook. He was a proponent of humanism, classical education, and a traditional, ordered society. His views were shaped by his concerns about the impact of modernity on literature and culture, and his writings reflect a desire to uphold and revive what he saw as the best of Western civilization's intellectual and moral traditions.

In summary, Irving Babbitt's quote encapsulates his belief in the importance of discipline, standards, and criticism in the pursuit of excellence in literature and culture. His ideas continue to be relevant in discussions about the role of criticism and standards in contemporary society, and his work remains influential in the fields of literary criticism and cultural studies.