"La fin de l'art" by Remy de Gourmont is a philosophical treatise written in the early 20th century. The work explores the evolution and perceived decline of art in modern society, delving into themes such as the value of artistic expression versus tangible economic results. Gourmont employs various characters and references to contemporary cultural figures to illustrate his critiques of modern aesthetic sensibilities. At the start of the text, the author engages with a character inspired by the writings of another philosopher, positing a view that modernity has eclipsed the intrinsic values of art. This character embodies a rejection of spiritual and emotional dimensions in favor of measurable outcomes, expressing disdain for traditional masterpieces and cultural heritage. Gourmont critiques this mindset through sardonic commentary on various subjects, including municipal decisions regarding monuments and cultural artifacts, ultimately questioning whether humanity can survive the end of art as a meaningful endeavor. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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