This quote by Goethe speaks to the dual nature of culture – its power to both unite and divide us. On one hand, culture has the capacity to “smooth” or harmonize, creating common ground that people from all walks of life can appreciate and connect with. This is the “whole world licks” part of the quote. It implies that culture, in its various forms such as music, art, literature, can be a universal language that transcends geographical boundaries and language barriers, bringing people together.
On the other hand, Goethe warns that culture can also “stick unto the devil”. This suggests that culture can be divisive, causing conflict and serving as a tool for manipulation. It can be used to reinforce harmful stereotypes, to propagate ideologies that cause harm, or to create an ‘us versus them’ mentality. In other words, while culture can unite, it can also be a source of division and conflict.
Applying this quote to today’s world, we can see that culture continues to play a significant role in shaping societies and individuals. For instance, the global spread of American culture through Hollywood movies and pop music has helped to create a shared global culture. Yet, at the same time, we see how culture can be a source of conflict, such as when cultural traditions clash with modern values, or when cultural differences are used to justify discrimination or prejudice.
In terms of personal development, this quote reminds us to be mindful of the power of culture. It encourages us to embrace the positive aspects of culture – the ways in which it can enrich our lives, broaden our perspectives, and connect us with others. But it also cautions us to be aware of the potential pitfalls of culture – the ways in which it can be used to manipulate, divide, or cause harm. It suggests that we should strive to be critical consumers of culture, appreciating its beauty and richness, but also questioning its assumptions and challenging its biases.
