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Quote by Johan Huizinga

“The second fundamental feature of culture is that all culture has an element of striving.”

Author

Dutch historian known for his research in cultural and art history. Johan Huizinga was born on December 7, 1872, and died on February 1, 1945. His works have had a profound impact on subsequent historical and sociological studies. more

“The spirit of playful competition is, as a social impulse, older than culture itself and pervades all life like a veritable ferment. Ritual grew up in sacred play; poetry was born in play and nourished on play; music and dancing were pure play....We have to conclude, therefore, that civilization is, in its earliest phases, played. It does not come from play...it arises in and as play, and never leaves it.”

Doe Play Spirit Culture Social Born Grew Civilization Pure Grew Up Sacred Competition Dancing Arise Impulse Ritual Phases

Author:Johan Huizinga

“A new culture can only grow up in the soil of a purged humanity.”

Humanity Culture Grows Growing Up Soil New Cultures

Author:Johan Huizinga

“You can deny, if you like, nearly all abstractions: justice, beauty, truth, goodness, mind, God. You can deny seriousness, but not play.”

Ifs Mind Play Justice Goodness Deny Abstraction Seriousness

Book:Homo Ludens: A Study of the Play-Element in Culture

Source: Homo Ludens: A Study of the Play-Element in Culture

“The manner in which one loses the battle can sometimes outshine the victory.”

Sometimes Loses Victory Battle

Book:Racing Through the Dark: Crash. Burn. Coming Clean. Coming Back.