
“Intellectuals are cynical and cynics have never built a cathedral.”
As quoted in Sketchbook 1966-1971 (1971) by Max Frisch, p. 230
1970s
(Virgil, to Lavinia) p. 45
Lavinia (2008)
“Intellectuals are cynical and cynics have never built a cathedral.”
As quoted in Sketchbook 1966-1971 (1971) by Max Frisch, p. 230
1970s
Last Act in Palmyra
Context: I asked why Grumio had had to turn to lesser things.'No call. In my father or grandfather's day all I would have needed in life were my cloak and shoes, my flask and strigil, a cup and knife to take to dinner, and a small wallet for my earnings. Everyone who could find the wherewithal would eagerly ask a wandering jokesmith in.'
'Sounds just like being a vagrant philosopher!'
'A cynic,' he agreed readily. 'Exactly. Most cynics are witty and all clowns are cynical. Meet us on the road, and who could tell the difference?’
'Me, I hope! I'm a good Roman. I'd take a five-mile detour to avoid a philosopher.'</p
From Curtis, Hillman, MTIV, Process, Inspiration and Practice for the New Media Designer (Indianapolis: New Riders, 2002), page 221.
“The only deadly sin I know is cynicism.”
On Active Service in Peace and War (1948), Introduction
Source: Cakes and Ale: Or, The Skeleton in the Cupboard (1930), p. 137
2010s, Commencement speech for Oberlin College Prep graduates (2015)