Meaning: Irving Babbitt, an influential literary critic and cultural commentator of the early 20th century, made this statement in his work "Rousseau and Romanticism" in 1919. Babbitt was known for his critique of modernity and his advocacy for a return to traditional values and classical humanism. In this quote, Babbitt reflects on the role of the papacy in the face of the rising force of nationalism in Europe.

Babbitt's reference to "the traditional unity of European civilization" suggests his belief in the historical and cultural cohesion of Europe, which he saw as being under threat from the forces of nationalism. The papacy, as the central authority of the Roman Catholic Church and historically a key political and spiritual power in Europe, was seen by Babbitt as a symbol of this traditional unity. However, he argues that the papacy has been ineffective in containing the expansion of nationalism.

Nationalism, in the context of Babbitt's writing, refers to the political movements and ideologies that prioritize the interests and identity of a particular nation or ethnic group. Babbitt was critical of nationalism, viewing it as a disruptive force that threatened the harmony and unity of European civilization. He believed that nationalism led to narrow-mindedness, conflict, and the erosion of broader cultural and humanistic values.

Babbitt's assessment of the papacy's inability to effectively limit nationalism can be understood in the historical context of the early 20th century. This period saw the aftermath of World War I, the collapse of empires, and the rise of new nation-states in Europe. The papacy, while historically influential in European affairs, faced challenges in navigating the complex political landscape and addressing the aspirations of emerging national movements.

Babbitt's perspective on the papacy's struggle with nationalism also reflects broader tensions between traditional institutions and the forces of modernity. The rise of nationalism was intertwined with broader social, economic, and political changes that were reshaping Europe and challenging established power structures. Babbitt's critique of the papacy can be seen as part of his larger concern about the erosion of traditional values and the loss of a unified European cultural identity.

In the context of Babbitt's broader body of work, this quote exemplifies his ongoing engagement with the tensions between tradition and modernity, and his advocacy for a reinvigoration of classical humanistic values. Babbitt sought to promote a more balanced and harmonious vision of culture, one that drew on the wisdom of the past while engaging with the challenges of the present.

Ultimately, Babbitt's critique of the papacy's response to nationalism reflects his broader concerns about the direction of Western civilization. His work continues to be studied and debated for its insights into the cultural and intellectual currents of the early 20th century, and its relevance to ongoing discussions about tradition, modernity, and the future of European civilization.

In summary, Irving Babbitt's quote encapsulates his critique of the papacy's inability to effectively contain the rise of nationalism in Europe, reflecting his broader concerns about the erosion of traditional values and the unity of European civilization in the early 20th century.