CULTURE AND ANARCHY

 CULTURE AND ANARCHY

 

Introduction
Culture and Anarchy is a famous critical work written by Matthew Arnold in 1869. Arnold was a poet, cultural critic, and essayist. In this book, he discusses what culture means and why it is important in modern society. He believed that culture brings balance, reason, and moral improvement to human life. At the same time, he warned that ignoring culture could lead to disorder and chaos, which he called “anarchy.” His ideas came at a time when England was going through political, social, and industrial changes. Arnold tried to guide society towards higher thinking, harmony, and human perfection.

 

Meaning of Culture

For Arnold, culture is not just art, books, or learning. It is the pursuit of human perfection. He defined culture as “the study of perfection.” Culture means trying to improve both the individual and society by knowing the best that has been thought and said in the world. According to Arnold, true culture involves knowledge, beauty, goodness, and a deep sense of moral responsibility. It helps people think clearly and live wisely.

 

Opposition to Anarchy

Arnold uses the word “anarchy” to mean disorder, selfishness, and a lack of values in society. He observed that people were only chasing money, power, and personal freedom. He believed that too much individualism without cultural values leads to confusion and violence. Arnold thought that culture could save society from such anarchy. He said, if people don’t follow reason and morality, society will become chaotic. So, he placed culture as the opposite force of anarchy.

 

Critique of the English Classes

Arnold divided English society into three classes:

  1. Barbarians – The upper class, who had wealth and power but lacked real culture.
  2. Philistines – The middle class, who were materialistic and narrow-minded.
  3. Populace – The working class, who had little education or guidance.

He criticized all three groups. The upper class valued traditions and status but ignored inner growth. The middle class was proud of its success but had no interest in deep thinking. The working class lacked proper direction. Arnold believed that all these classes must rise above their narrow ideas and embrace culture to bring unity and progress.

 

Sweetness and Light

One of Arnold’s key ideas is “sweetness and light.” This phrase means beauty (sweetness) and truth (light). He borrowed this idea from ancient Greek philosophy. He believed that true culture brings both sweetness and light into life. Culture should make people gentle, wise, and morally strong. It should not be used to show off or dominate others, but to enrich life and make it more meaningful.

 

Role of the State

Arnold believed that the state or government should play a role in spreading culture. He thought that the government must not only maintain order but also promote education and moral values. If the state encourages cultural development, people will become more thoughtful and peaceful. He supported state action in areas like education, public libraries, and social reform. According to him, education based on culture would create better citizens.

 

Importance of Reason and the “Best Self”

Arnold often talks about the “best self.” He says every person has two selves:

  • The ordinary self, which is selfish and narrow
  • The best self, which is guided by reason, morality, and love of truth

Culture helps people listen to their best self. It teaches us to think for the good of all, not just for personal gain. He says we should “transcend our class, our narrow habits, and our personal desires” to become better human beings.

 

Criticism of “Doing as One Likes”

Arnold strongly criticizes the idea of unlimited personal freedom, or “doing as one likes.” He believed that such a belief leads to selfishness and social chaos. True freedom, he argued, is not the freedom to do anything, but the freedom to grow morally and intellectually. Culture teaches self-control and responsibility, not just rights and liberties.

 

Religion and Culture

Though Arnold respected religion, he did not accept all religious doctrines. He saw religion as a form of culture. He admired the moral teachings of Christianity but felt that religious institutions should not resist reason and progress. He believed that cultural thinking could work alongside religion to create a better world. Faith and culture, when combined, bring true light to human life.

 

Conclusion
Culture and Anarchy remains one of the most powerful reflections on society, values, and human progress. Arnold taught that culture is more than learning—it is a force of beauty, reason, and moral strength. By choosing culture, society can avoid chaos and build peace and harmony. His ideas are still relevant today, reminding us that true growth comes not from wealth or freedom alone, but from the thoughtful and balanced development of the mind and soul.

 

REFERENCE:
Arnold, Matthew. Culture and Anarchy. London, Smith, Elder & Co., 1869.

 

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