The phenomenon of universalization. while being an advancement of
mankind. at the same time constitutes a sort of subtle destruction. not only of traditional cultures. which might not be an irreparable wrong. but also of what I Shall call for the time being the creative nucleus of great civilizations and great culture, that nucleus on the basis of which we interpret life. what Inhale call in advance-the ethical and mythical nucleus of mankind. The conflict springs up from there. We have the feeling that this single world civilization at the same time exerts a sort of attrition or wearing away at the
expense of the cultural resources which have made the great civilizations of the past. This threat is expressed. among other disturbing effects. by the spreading before our eyes of a mediocre civilization which is the absurd
counterpart of what I was just calling elementary cu1.ture. …
