Understanding 'Culture is what remains when we have forgotten everything'

The famous quote “culture is what remains when we have forgotten everything” raises profound questions about education and knowledge. Often attributed to Édouard Herriot, this powerful phrase actually originates from Ellen Key, a Swedish educator.

This quote is enigmatic and paradoxical, continuing to challenge us about the true nature of thought and its impact on our personal development. It highlights the importance of culture beyond the mere accumulation of information.

In this article, we will explore the fascinating history of this aphorism, from its creation to its popularization, including the various interpretations it has inspired.

The origin and history of a famous quote

The quote ‘culture is what remains when we have forgotten everything’ has a fascinating history that dates back over a century. This phrase, often mistakenly attributed to Édouard Herriot, actually has its roots in the writings of Ellen Key, a Swedish educator.

Ellen Key: the true Swedish author

Ellen Key, a prominent figure in educational reform in Sweden, is the true author of this quote. Her essay “Bildning” (Education), published in 1897, played a crucial role in the development of this idea. Key elaborates on her vision of education and culture, emphasizing the importance of the comprehensive formation of the individual.

The first publication in the journal Verdandi in 1891

The first trace of this quote dates back to 1891, when it was published in the Swedish journal Verdandi. This journal was an important organ for Swedish intellectuals of the time, and the publication of this quote marked the beginning of its spread in intellectual circles.

The evolution and spread of the quote

Over the years, Ellen Key's quote has undergone a fascinating evolution. After its first appearance in the journal Verdandi, it was taken up and developed in her essay “Bildning” in 1897. The translation of her works into various languages played a crucial role in the international spread of this thought. The French version appeared as early as 1910, followed by a Japanese version in 1916.

Thus, this quote has crossed linguistic and cultural boundaries, enriching itself with new nuances and interpretations. Its essence has remained intact, highlighting the importance of culture beyond forgetfulness.

The role of Édouard Herriot in popularizing “culture is what remains when we have forgotten everything”

Édouard Herriot played a significant role in disseminating the maxim “culture is what remains when we have forgotten everything” in France. Herriot, a leading political and intellectual figure, helped anchor this idea in the French educational and cultural discourse of the 20th century.

References in his memoirs “Jadis”

In his memoirs titled “Jadis”, Édouard Herriot refers to the maxim “culture is what remains when we have forgotten everything” several times. These references have contributed to reinforcing the popularity of this quote among the general public and intellectual circles. Herriot uses this maxim to illustrate the importance of education and culture in shaping the individual.

Herriot's writings in “Jadis” show how he integrated this maxim into his vision of education and culture. He emphasizes the idea that true culture is not merely the accumulation of knowledge, but the ability to retain the essence of what has been learned.

The version in “Notes and Maxims”

In his work “Notes and Maxims”, Édouard Herriot revisits the maxim “culture is what remains when we have forgotten everything” with a more personal interpretation. He sees it as a profound reflection on the nature of culture and its relationship with memory and forgetfulness.

This work helps to understand how Herriot used this maxim to express his own ideas about education and culture. He highlights the importance of going beyond mere memorization to achieve true understanding.

The erroneous attribution and its historical correction

For a long time, Édouard Herriot was mistakenly considered the author of the maxim “culture is what remains when we have forgotten everything.” However, historical research has revealed that Ellen Key, a Swedish writer, is the true author.

• The erroneous attribution of this quote to Édouard Herriot spread for decades in French intellectual and educational circles.
• Thorough research ultimately restored the truth by identifying Ellen Key as the original source.
• This historical correction underscores the importance of rigor in attributing quotes and illustrates the phenomenon described by the maxim itself.

Herriot, as Minister of Public Instruction, was likely influenced by the works of Ellen Key without knowing the exact origin. This story perfectly illustrates the maxim: Herriot had retained the essence of the thought while forgetting its source.

The philosophical interpretations of the maxim

The maxim “culture is what remains when we have forgotten everything” opens a deep reflection on the distinction between knowledge and culture. This distinction is at the heart of understanding what it means to be cultured, and it also highlights the concept of cultural wealth.

The difference between knowledge and culture

Knowledge refers to the acquisition of information and facts, while culture encompasses a deeper understanding and appreciation of that knowledge in a broader context. Culture transforms knowledge into an integral part of our being.

Assimilation versus accumulation of knowledge

The accumulation of knowledge is a quantitative process, while assimilation involves a qualitative integration of that knowledge into our worldview. Assimilation is what allows culture to develop.

The humanistic dimension of reflection

The humanistic dimension of this maxim emphasizes that culture transforms the individual beyond mere knowledge. As Kant believed, the development of human nature is driven by our needs and passions, making culture an existential necessity.

In summary, the maxim invites us to consider education not as an end in itself, but as a means of transformation and elevation of the human spirit. This humanistic view of culture reminds us of its importance in the development of our humanity.

Conclusion: The contemporary relevance of this thought

The quote “culture is what remains when we have forgotten everything” by Ellen Key remains surprisingly relevant in our contemporary world. This reflection invites us to rethink our relationship with knowledge in the age of instant information.

More than a century after its formulation, this quote about culture retains remarkable timeliness. It reminds us that culture is not merely an accumulation of knowledge, but a way of being and thinking that endures beyond forgotten details.

The history of this quote, long wrongly attributed to Édouard Herriot, perfectly illustrates the phenomenon it describes: the essence of culture has endured through time, even if the details of its origin have been forgotten. In a world where education is sometimes reduced to the acquisition of technical skills, this thought reminds us of the importance of cultivating educated minds capable of independent thought.

Moralists of all eras remind us that time is the best revealer of what constitutes true culture: what remains after intellectual fashions have passed and details have faded from our consciousness. In this context, playful teaching for young people plays an essential role in facilitating learning and making culture accessible.