[D66] Romanticism as the pinnacle of human achievement

[René Oudeweg]

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[In *Modern Culture* (also published as *An Intelligent Person’s Guide 
to Modern Culture*), Roger Scruton offers a profound exploration of 
Romanticism, positioning it as a pivotal movement that sought to restore 
depth, meaning, and spiritual resonance to human experience in the wake 
of Enlightenment rationalism.

While Scruton does not declare Romanticism as "the best mankind 
produced" in those exact words, his analysis conveys a deep reverence 
for the movement. He portrays Romanticism as a response to the 
disenchantment brought about by the Enlightenment, emphasizing its role 
in reintroducing the sacred and the transcendent into art and culture.

In his discussion, Scruton notes that Romanticism emerged as an attempt 
to fill the void left by the decline of religious faith, using art and 
literature to explore themes of longing, beauty, and the sublime. He 
suggests that Romanticism provided a framework through which individuals 
could experience a sense of the sacred in a secular age.

Scruton's admiration for Romanticism is further evident in his 
reflections on music, particularly the works of composers like Wagner. 
He views their compositions as embodiments of Romantic ideals, capable 
of conveying profound emotional and spiritual truths.

In summary, while Scruton stops short of labeling Romanticism as the 
pinnacle of human achievement, his writings in *Modern Culture* 
underscore its significance as a movement that sought to re-enchant the 
world and address the spiritual needs of humanity through art and culture.
]