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Herbert Read

Sir Herbert Edward Read, DSO, MC was an English anarchist poet, and critic of literature and art, also published as Herbert Read.

He was the publisher and editor-in-chief of Jung's collected works in English.


“Modern man has been in search of a new language of form to satisfy new longings and aspirations - longings for mental appeasement, aspirations to unity, harmony, serenity - an end to his alienation from nature. All these arts of remote times or strange cultures either give or suggest to the modern artist forms which he can adapt to his needs, the elements of a new iconography.”
Herbert Read
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“The modern artist, by nature and destiny, is always an individualist.”
Herbert Read
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“Magic is not, and never has been a substitute for science, but is rather a constructive activity with a specific social function, and one that is still operative. [...] The aim of magical objects and magical rites is to arouse emotion in the group and to make such aroused emotions effective agents.”
Herbert Read
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“In History, stagnant waters, whether they be stagnant waters of custom or those of despotism, harbour no life; life is dependent on the ripples created by a few eccentric individuals. In homage to that life and vitality, the community has to brave certain perils and must countenance a measure of heresy. One must live dangerously if one wants to live at all.”
Herbert Read
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