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#1022 - Sheehan Quirke - How Did The Modern World Get So Ugly?

In a world increasingly shaped by efficiency and utility, a growing sense of emptiness lingers beneath the surface. This conversation explores why modern environments feel sterile, how beauty has been sidelined in favor of function, and what we stand to regain by reawakening our appreciation for meaning, art, and timeless design.
The discussion examines the erosion of beauty in modern life, tracing it from architecture to emotional expression. Functional design, while practical, often sacrifices charm and meaning, leading to uninspiring environments. The value of traditional aesthetics, public preference for classical forms, and the emotional power of brutalist honesty are weighed against modern minimalism. Art, poetry, and literature emerge as vital tools for contemplation and connection in an age of distraction. True beauty is not merely decorative but meaningful—rooted in history, context, and human experience. Sincerity in love and creativity becomes a radical act. Ultimately, engaging with enduring cultural works offers a path to deeper understanding, emotional resilience, and a renewed sense of wonder in a world that often feels devoid of both.
07:48
07:48
Boringness, not ugliness, is the real problem in modern design
17:26
17:26
You lack deadlines, not ideas
24:19
24:19
People globally feel modern things are boring and long for a more interesting world.
41:31
41:31
Modern architecture lifted humanity out of material squalor using concrete, steel, glass, and plastic.
47:15
47:15
Beautiful design enriches both makers' and users' lives
52:14
52:14
An extra 1% spent on beauty in architecture can increase happiness and tourism.
1:03:46
1:03:46
Brutalism is not boring—it’s bold, visionary, and full of optimism despite being called ugly
1:06:52
1:06:52
Romance is inconvenient in a world optimized for convenience
1:16:08
1:16:08
Expressing deep, boundless love enriches the soul.
1:24:22
1:24:22
There's been no comparable boom in artistic, cultural, emotional, or spiritual self-improvement despite advances in material well-being.
1:29:54
1:29:54
Modern audiences may benefit more from poetry like Hodgson's than from spoon-fed popular media.
1:40:54
1:40:54
Art's meaning is co-created by the audience, not dictated by the artist.
1:43:27
1:43:27
True romance involves a willingness to die for another.
1:49:13
1:49:13
The best filter for quality is the test of time.
1:51:53
1:51:53
Classic books reveal what generations found meaningful