P.3 The mediterranean sun has something tragic about it, quite different
from the tragedy of fogs.
P.6 “Only the modern city”, Hegel dares write, “offers the mind a field in
which it can become aware of itself”. We are thus living in the period of
big cities. Deliberately, the world has been amputated of all that
constitutes its permanence : nature, the sea, hilltops, evening
meditation.
P.9 The historical spirit and the artist both want to remake the world.
But the artist, through an obligation of his nature, knows his limits,
which the historical spirit fails to recognise. This is why the latter’s
aim is tyranny whereas the former’s passion is freedom. All those who are
struggling for freedom today are ultimately fighting for beauty.
P.11 Despite the price which artists will pay for their empty hands, we
may hope for their victory.