For an idea ever to be fashionable is ominous, since it must afterwards be always old fashioned

For an idea ever to be fashionable is ominous, since it must afterwards be always old fashioned

George Santayana, a renowned philosopher and essayist, once said, “For an idea ever to be fashionable is ominous, since it must afterwards be always old fashioned.” This statement holds a profound truth that resonates with the ever-changing nature of society and the fleeting trends that come and go.

Santayana’s words suggest that ideas that become fashionable are often short-lived and transient. They are embraced by the masses for a brief period of time before being discarded and replaced by the next new trend. This constant cycle of ideas becoming fashionable and then falling out of favor highlights the fickle nature of human society and its tendency to constantly seek out the next big thing.

The idea that something fashionable will eventually become old-fashioned is a reminder that trends are ephemeral and subject to the whims of society. What is considered trendy and popular today may be seen as outdated and irrelevant tomorrow. This concept is particularly relevant in today’s fast-paced world, where trends come and go at a rapid pace, driven by social media and the constant need for novelty and innovation.

Santayana’s warning about the ominous nature of fashionable ideas serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of blindly following trends without considering their long-term implications. It is a reminder that true wisdom lies in embracing timeless ideas and values that stand the test of time, rather than chasing after fleeting fads that are here today and gone tomorrow.