Meaning: This quote by Irving Babbitt, an influential literary critic and cultural commentator, offers a cautionary reflection on the dangers of disregarding tradition and convention in the pursuit of change. In interpreting this quote, it is essential to understand the historical and intellectual context in which it was written.

Irving Babbitt was a prominent figure in the early 20th century literary and cultural landscape, known for his conservative views on art, literature, and society. He was a leading proponent of the New Humanism movement, which emphasized the importance of classical education, moral values, and a balanced approach to cultural and intellectual progress. Babbitt was deeply critical of what he perceived as the excesses of the modernist and romantic movements, particularly their rejection of traditional norms and values.

In this quote, Babbitt warns against the tendency of certain leaders of the "great romantic revolt" to discard convention without regard for the "humane aspiration." Here, he is referring to the Romantic movement of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, which sought to break free from the constraints of neoclassical traditions and embrace individualism, emotion, and the beauty of nature. While acknowledging the importance of challenging established norms and conventions, Babbitt cautions against a wholesale rejection of tradition that leads to the abandonment of fundamental moral and ethical principles.

Babbitt's critique can be understood in the context of the broader cultural and intellectual shifts of his time. The early 20th century witnessed a profound upheaval in the arts, literature, and social mores, as modernist and avant-garde movements challenged long-held beliefs and aesthetic standards. Babbitt, however, was deeply skeptical of what he saw as the nihilistic and destructive tendencies of these movements, arguing that they undermined the essential foundations of a civilized society.

The "leaders of the great romantic revolt" to whom Babbitt refers may include figures such as Percy Bysshe Shelley, Lord Byron, and other prominent Romantic poets and thinkers who espoused radical individualism and a rejection of traditional authority. Babbitt's criticism suggests that while these figures may have sought to liberate themselves from the constraints of an ossified social order, they risked losing sight of the broader ethical and moral considerations that underpin a truly humane society.

In essence, Babbitt's quote is a plea for a balanced and thoughtful approach to cultural and intellectual change. While he acknowledges the need to challenge convention and embrace new ideas, he cautions against a reckless disregard for the ethical and moral dimensions of human experience. For Babbitt, the "husk of convention" should not be discarded without careful consideration of the values and principles that it embodies.

In conclusion, Irving Babbitt's quote encapsulates his broader concerns about the direction of modern culture and thought. It reflects his conviction that while progress and change are necessary, they must be guided by a deep respect for the enduring truths and ethical imperatives that sustain a humane society. Babbitt's critique of the "great romantic revolt" serves as a reminder that in our quest for innovation and liberation, we must not lose sight of the essential values that make us truly human.