Culture & Anarchy - Matthew Arnold

In this reading, Arnold talks about how it is hard to discuss 'culture', as its meaning has shifted, and has been misinterpreted, through time. He argues if culture is the extent of someones knowledge, it depends on what you know and how you percieve it. Throughout history, knowledge has been gained by reading, and so, if knowledge is to be gained by reading, Arnold argues that it is all about what you read, and how you percieved what you have read.

He argues that true culture should come from works of art. Often, things are adapted and re made, and the person doing so will pick and choose what they wish to include. They may do this for whatever reason, to perhaps make it more appealing to the masses. Culture should be classless and pure, according to Arnold. If you dont understand it, its your problem.

He then talks about peoples lack of culture and a belief in the power of machinery. I didnt really understand this bit to be honest but i gather that people who believe solely in the power of machinery will choose to do whatever they want, thus leading to anarchy.