Modern Wisdom #1022

Sheehan Quirke – How Did The Modern World Get So Ugly?

Date: November 20, 2025

Episode Overview

Chris Williamson sits down with Sheehan Quirke, also known as "The Cultural Tutor," for a deep and lively discussion about the physical, emotional, and philosophical ugliness of the modern world. They explore why so much contemporary design feels boring, sterile, and uninspired, and why older architecture seems to possess more charm, meaning, and interest. The conversation weaves through architecture, art, literature, poetry, and modern romance, considering what we've lost in the pursuit of efficiency and optimization—and how small acts of beauty, earnestness, and romance might restore a sense of enchantment to our daily lives.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Redefining 'Beauty': Beyond Superficiality

00:03 Sheehan equates beauty to love manifested in the physical world, rather than a mere subjective judgment:
- "The best way to think about beauty... is to think of it as synonymous with the word love. Beauty is basically love manifest in the physical world." – Sheehan Quirke (00:03)
Argues against obsessing over whether something is beautiful/ugly; more useful terms are “interesting”, “charming”, and “meaningful”.
00:16–04:37 Breaks down terms:
- Interesting: Opposite of boring; humans cannot stand boredom, which often drives revolutions and creativity more than ugliness does.
- Charming: Implies playfulness, thoughtfulness, and whimsy – it's noticing someone cared enough to make you smile.
- Meaningful: Design reflecting local people and history, giving a place specificity against the background noise of the universal, "hyper-optimized" present.

2. Why Modern Life & Design Feel So Ugly (or Boring)

07:55 Every designed object is an opportunity for charm (even drainpipes).
- "Drainpipes can actually improve the appearance of a town or city or home... If we can also make drainpipes that do their job and make the world a more interesting place to live in, shouldn't we be doing that?" – Sheehan Quirke (08:58)
Critiques the interpretation of "form follows function." The purpose of physical things isn't only utility but should also enrich the human experience.
Shows contrasting images (19th-century vs. modern drainpipes) to illustrate what was lost: interest, charm, meaning.

3. Viral Fame: The Power of Reminding People What They've Lost

16:12 Sheehan tells his personal story: from writing hopeful threads on X/Twitter (while a security guard and McDonald's maintenance worker), to overnight success when a post about “the death of detail” and the blandness of modern design resonated globally ("Danger of Minimalist Design and the Death of Detail").
- “People all over the world had been feeling exactly the same way—that things are boring and generic these days, and that people are crying out for the world to be a more interesting, charming, and meaningful place.” – Sheehan Quirke (26:02)

4. Consensus & Misconceptions: It’s Not About Left vs. Right

35:24–41:53 Sheehan highlights the political polarization around discussions of architecture and beauty:
- Appreciation of traditional forms is often (mis)read as conservatism or even fascism.
- Modernist defenders are branded socialists. Both associations are unhelpful and inaccurate.
- Seeks to create consensus: “The world can be so much more interesting, and we will all benefit from that—it’s not a political issue.” (47:08)
Uses water towers and fountains as examples: the difference isn't just old vs. new, but whether things are designed to serve the soul, not just their physical function.

5. Modern Architecture—Defending & Critiquing

Modernism raised living standards by making housing quick, cheap, and durable; modern buildings replaced squalid conditions, not palaces.
- “Modern architecture has actually been a blessing for humankind insofar as quality of life is concerned.” – Sheehan Quirke (43:22)
But the problem is the turn to the lowest common denominator: everything is built quickly, cheaply, and uniformly, killing local character and joy.
The “boredom” of the modern city is a global experience—photos demonstrate high-rise sameness between USA, Japan, Brazil, Ethiopia, China, etc. (40:18)

6. Beauty, Sustainability, and Craft

Traditional, beautiful buildings endure longer, aren't demolished, and are better for the environment.
Making things more beautiful benefits both users and makers: craftsmanship is inherently more fulfilling.

7. Cost & Consumerism: Can We Afford Beauty?

Counter-argues that ornament and charm don't have to be expensive—mass production made Victorian fountains, ironwork, and even sewage stations charming at marginal extra cost.
- “Is an extra percent [of cost] worth an increase in human happiness and joy... I dare say that that's a wise investment.” – Sheehan Quirke (54:11)
Laments a culture of obsolescence, quick profit, and consumerism as the more significant threat to beauty than any ideological movement.

8. Global Examples: Where Does It Work?

Places like Vienna, Venice, Edinburgh, and the less-obvious Sofia (Bulgaria) have a working blend of beauty, charm, and meaning (58:43).
Sheehan celebrates architectural variety, linking desire for visual variety to the variety found in nature.

9. The Case for Brutalism

Brutalism is not “boring,” and its bold, imposing shapes can be thrilling and optimistic, especially in their original context.
- “Brutalism... is massive. It is pure geometry on a huge scale... I agree it's not charming, but not everything needs to be charming. Some things should be imposing or impressive.” – Sheehan Quirke (65:47)

10. Modern Romance & Earnestness: The Need for Earnest Feeling

Romance is inconvenient by design; it's the opposite of optimization and convenience.
- "It's not love if it's convenient. Love is anything apart from convenient. When you're in love and when you're taken by these passions, you stop doing things you should be doing..." – Sheehan Quirke (67:24)
73:05 Both agree the modern culture’s ironic/sardonic tone is a shield against rejection but also a block to real earnestness and romance:
- “The courage to take your emotions seriously... sometimes that's a person and sometimes it's how you feel about a person. And for that to be rejected, it's painful. So I think a culture of ironic speech... results in romance, which by definition is sincere and earnest, [being] squeezed out.” – Chris Williamson (73:05)
Reads Juliet’s words from Romeo and Juliet as the antithesis of modern ironic detachment (75:12).
Advocates for romance as a mode of life—a willingness to be open and sincere, even if the “age of irony” makes that hard.

11. The Role of Art & Poetry: Cultural Diet

88:22 Sheehan reads “Before Action” by William Noel Hodgson, a soldier-poet killed at the Somme.
- Poetic and artistic engagement (even if difficult) is essential to developing spiritual/emotional health—just as a good physical diet matters for the body.
- “We need more poetry... If people found the time to dedicate 5% less time to those other forms of media and more to this kind of thing, it would do us all so much good.” – Sheehan Quirke (92:21)
Argues art and poetry train the soul to slow down and reflect: "Poetry is good training" (104:17)

12. Accessibility and Elitism in Art

Acknowledges poetry feels inaccessible, alienating, or intimidating—it has unfortunately acquired the whiff of elitism.
Like going to the gym, the barrier can only be lowered through guidance, patience, and practice.
The correct reading of poetry is personal: “What you think it’s about is absolutely correct... That view is completely legitimate.” – Sheehan Quirke (99:01)
Quotes David Lynch: art is "made" and left for you to find your own meaning.

13. The Wisdom of the Ages—On Reading and Regret

The “last library on earth” thought experiment: what would you save? Reminds us that with so much to read, the best filter is time—what’s lasted is likely more meaningful than what’s “bestselling” this month (109:47).
- “Everything I need to know about life has probably already been written and written better... the past 10,000 years of human history tells you what’s most useful, interesting, and meaningful.” – Sheehan Quirke (111:53)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On beauty as love:
"Beauty is basically love manifest in the physical world." – Sheehan Quirke (00:03)
On boredom as motivation:
"The one thing human beings cannot stand is being bored. We can put up with a lot... But being bored is the worst thing." – Sheehan Quirke (01:16)
On charm:
"When it's charming, it's like, 'Oh, wow, the person who made this thing has thought about me.'" – Sheehan Quirke (02:21)
On viral truth:
"People all over the world had been feeling exactly the same way—that things are boring and generic these days, and that people are crying out for the world to be a more interesting, charming, and meaningful place." – Sheehan Quirke (26:02)
On craftsmanship:
"In a world where we embrace beautiful design, everyone benefits: the people who have to make stuff and the people who have to use stuff." – Sheehan Quirke (44:41)
On modern romance:
"Love is anything apart from convenient... it's not love if it's convenient." – Sheehan Quirke (67:24)
On sincerity and earnestness:
"The courage to take your emotions seriously. Sincerity... you're planting a position in the ground that you truly believe in." – Chris Williamson (73:05)
On the meaning of life:
"The meaning of your life is whatever you'd be willing to give up that life for. Ask yourself, what would you be willing to die for? And a lot of other stuff will fall into place." – Sheehan Quirke (108:01)

Segment Timestamps

| Segment/Topic | Time | |--------------------------------------------------|---------| | Defining beauty, interest, charm, meaning | 00:00–04:54 | | Is 'ugly' a moral judgment? | 04:54–06:44 | | On everyday objects (props, drainpipes) | 06:44–09:00 | | Form vs. function, Louis Sullivan | 09:13–14:13 | | Virality & Sheehan’s journey | 16:12–26:33 | | Consensus and political polarization | 35:24–41:53 | | Modernism—defense and critique | 43:00–44:41 | | Water fountains & visual examples | 49:02–54:11 | | Consumerism, cost, obsolescence | 54:11–57:10 | | Cities/countries with charm, variety | 58:19–60:43 | | The case for brutalism | 63:09–66:31 | | Romance vs. optimization, earnestness | 67:07–77:25 | | The need for art/poetry in the modern diet | 88:22–92:21 | | Accessibility, poetry, reading | 92:21–101:29 | | The “last library” & legacy of books | 109:08–114:17 |

Final Reflections

Sheehan and Chris close with a call to pursue what is meaningful, beautiful, and earnest—whether by investing in more charming environments, being more sincere in love, or feeding one's mind, not just on the fast-food of media but the spirulina of culture. In an "age of irony," it is precisely romance, poetry, adventure, and nobility that are worth fighting for.

Connect with Sheehan Quirke:

X (Twitter): @culturaltutor
Instagram: @culturaltutor
Newsletter: Areopagus on Substack
Documentary: The Modern World (YouTube/X)

Sheehan's Book:

49 Laws of the Cultural Tutor

Modern Wisdom #1022

Sheehan Quirke – How Did The Modern World Get So Ugly?

Date: November 20, 2025

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Redefining 'Beauty': Beyond Superficiality

00:03 Sheehan equates beauty to love manifested in the physical world, rather than a mere subjective judgment:
- "The best way to think about beauty... is to think of it as synonymous with the word love. Beauty is basically love manifest in the physical world." – Sheehan Quirke (00:03)
Argues against obsessing over whether something is beautiful/ugly; more useful terms are “interesting”, “charming”, and “meaningful”.
00:16–04:37 Breaks down terms:
- Interesting: Opposite of boring; humans cannot stand boredom, which often drives revolutions and creativity more than ugliness does.
- Charming: Implies playfulness, thoughtfulness, and whimsy – it's noticing someone cared enough to make you smile.
- Meaningful: Design reflecting local people and history, giving a place specificity against the background noise of the universal, "hyper-optimized" present.

2. Why Modern Life & Design Feel So Ugly (or Boring)

07:55 Every designed object is an opportunity for charm (even drainpipes).
- "Drainpipes can actually improve the appearance of a town or city or home... If we can also make drainpipes that do their job and make the world a more interesting place to live in, shouldn't we be doing that?" – Sheehan Quirke (08:58)
Critiques the interpretation of "form follows function." The purpose of physical things isn't only utility but should also enrich the human experience.
Shows contrasting images (19th-century vs. modern drainpipes) to illustrate what was lost: interest, charm, meaning.

3. Viral Fame: The Power of Reminding People What They've Lost

16:12 Sheehan tells his personal story: from writing hopeful threads on X/Twitter (while a security guard and McDonald's maintenance worker), to overnight success when a post about “the death of detail” and the blandness of modern design resonated globally ("Danger of Minimalist Design and the Death of Detail").
- “People all over the world had been feeling exactly the same way—that things are boring and generic these days, and that people are crying out for the world to be a more interesting, charming, and meaningful place.” – Sheehan Quirke (26:02)

4. Consensus & Misconceptions: It’s Not About Left vs. Right

35:24–41:53 Sheehan highlights the political polarization around discussions of architecture and beauty:
- Appreciation of traditional forms is often (mis)read as conservatism or even fascism.
- Modernist defenders are branded socialists. Both associations are unhelpful and inaccurate.
- Seeks to create consensus: “The world can be so much more interesting, and we will all benefit from that—it’s not a political issue.” (47:08)
Uses water towers and fountains as examples: the difference isn't just old vs. new, but whether things are designed to serve the soul, not just their physical function.

5. Modern Architecture—Defending & Critiquing

Modernism raised living standards by making housing quick, cheap, and durable; modern buildings replaced squalid conditions, not palaces.
- “Modern architecture has actually been a blessing for humankind insofar as quality of life is concerned.” – Sheehan Quirke (43:22)
But the problem is the turn to the lowest common denominator: everything is built quickly, cheaply, and uniformly, killing local character and joy.
The “boredom” of the modern city is a global experience—photos demonstrate high-rise sameness between USA, Japan, Brazil, Ethiopia, China, etc. (40:18)

6. Beauty, Sustainability, and Craft

Traditional, beautiful buildings endure longer, aren't demolished, and are better for the environment.
Making things more beautiful benefits both users and makers: craftsmanship is inherently more fulfilling.

7. Cost & Consumerism: Can We Afford Beauty?

Counter-argues that ornament and charm don't have to be expensive—mass production made Victorian fountains, ironwork, and even sewage stations charming at marginal extra cost.
- “Is an extra percent [of cost] worth an increase in human happiness and joy... I dare say that that's a wise investment.” – Sheehan Quirke (54:11)
Laments a culture of obsolescence, quick profit, and consumerism as the more significant threat to beauty than any ideological movement.

8. Global Examples: Where Does It Work?

Places like Vienna, Venice, Edinburgh, and the less-obvious Sofia (Bulgaria) have a working blend of beauty, charm, and meaning (58:43).
Sheehan celebrates architectural variety, linking desire for visual variety to the variety found in nature.

9. The Case for Brutalism

Brutalism is not “boring,” and its bold, imposing shapes can be thrilling and optimistic, especially in their original context.
- “Brutalism... is massive. It is pure geometry on a huge scale... I agree it's not charming, but not everything needs to be charming. Some things should be imposing or impressive.” – Sheehan Quirke (65:47)

10. Modern Romance & Earnestness: The Need for Earnest Feeling

Romance is inconvenient by design; it's the opposite of optimization and convenience.
- "It's not love if it's convenient. Love is anything apart from convenient. When you're in love and when you're taken by these passions, you stop doing things you should be doing..." – Sheehan Quirke (67:24)
73:05 Both agree the modern culture’s ironic/sardonic tone is a shield against rejection but also a block to real earnestness and romance:
- “The courage to take your emotions seriously... sometimes that's a person and sometimes it's how you feel about a person. And for that to be rejected, it's painful. So I think a culture of ironic speech... results in romance, which by definition is sincere and earnest, [being] squeezed out.” – Chris Williamson (73:05)
Reads Juliet’s words from Romeo and Juliet as the antithesis of modern ironic detachment (75:12).
Advocates for romance as a mode of life—a willingness to be open and sincere, even if the “age of irony” makes that hard.

11. The Role of Art & Poetry: Cultural Diet

88:22 Sheehan reads “Before Action” by William Noel Hodgson, a soldier-poet killed at the Somme.
- Poetic and artistic engagement (even if difficult) is essential to developing spiritual/emotional health—just as a good physical diet matters for the body.
- “We need more poetry... If people found the time to dedicate 5% less time to those other forms of media and more to this kind of thing, it would do us all so much good.” – Sheehan Quirke (92:21)
Argues art and poetry train the soul to slow down and reflect: "Poetry is good training" (104:17)

12. Accessibility and Elitism in Art

Acknowledges poetry feels inaccessible, alienating, or intimidating—it has unfortunately acquired the whiff of elitism.
Like going to the gym, the barrier can only be lowered through guidance, patience, and practice.
The correct reading of poetry is personal: “What you think it’s about is absolutely correct... That view is completely legitimate.” – Sheehan Quirke (99:01)
Quotes David Lynch: art is "made" and left for you to find your own meaning.

13. The Wisdom of the Ages—On Reading and Regret

The “last library on earth” thought experiment: what would you save? Reminds us that with so much to read, the best filter is time—what’s lasted is likely more meaningful than what’s “bestselling” this month (109:47).
- “Everything I need to know about life has probably already been written and written better... the past 10,000 years of human history tells you what’s most useful, interesting, and meaningful.” – Sheehan Quirke (111:53)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On beauty as love:
"Beauty is basically love manifest in the physical world." – Sheehan Quirke (00:03)
On boredom as motivation:
"The one thing human beings cannot stand is being bored. We can put up with a lot... But being bored is the worst thing." – Sheehan Quirke (01:16)
On charm:
"When it's charming, it's like, 'Oh, wow, the person who made this thing has thought about me.'" – Sheehan Quirke (02:21)
On viral truth:
"People all over the world had been feeling exactly the same way—that things are boring and generic these days, and that people are crying out for the world to be a more interesting, charming, and meaningful place." – Sheehan Quirke (26:02)
On craftsmanship:
"In a world where we embrace beautiful design, everyone benefits: the people who have to make stuff and the people who have to use stuff." – Sheehan Quirke (44:41)
On modern romance:
"Love is anything apart from convenient... it's not love if it's convenient." – Sheehan Quirke (67:24)
On sincerity and earnestness:
"The courage to take your emotions seriously. Sincerity... you're planting a position in the ground that you truly believe in." – Chris Williamson (73:05)
On the meaning of life:
"The meaning of your life is whatever you'd be willing to give up that life for. Ask yourself, what would you be willing to die for? And a lot of other stuff will fall into place." – Sheehan Quirke (108:01)

Segment Timestamps

Final Reflections

Connect with Sheehan Quirke:

X (Twitter): @culturaltutor
Instagram: @culturaltutor
Newsletter: Areopagus on Substack
Documentary: The Modern World (YouTube/X)

Sheehan's Book:

49 Laws of the Cultural Tutor

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

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Summary

Modern Wisdom #1022

Sheehan Quirke – How Did The Modern World Get So Ugly?

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Redefining 'Beauty': Beyond Superficiality

2. Why Modern Life & Design Feel So Ugly (or Boring)

3. Viral Fame: The Power of Reminding People What They've Lost

4. Consensus & Misconceptions: It’s Not About Left vs. Right

5. Modern Architecture—Defending & Critiquing

6. Beauty, Sustainability, and Craft

7. Cost & Consumerism: Can We Afford Beauty?

8. Global Examples: Where Does It Work?

9. The Case for Brutalism

10. Modern Romance & Earnestness: The Need for Earnest Feeling

11. The Role of Art & Poetry: Cultural Diet

12. Accessibility and Elitism in Art

13. The Wisdom of the Ages—On Reading and Regret

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Segment Timestamps

Final Reflections

Summary

Modern Wisdom #1022

Sheehan Quirke – How Did The Modern World Get So Ugly?

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Redefining 'Beauty': Beyond Superficiality

2. Why Modern Life & Design Feel So Ugly (or Boring)

3. Viral Fame: The Power of Reminding People What They've Lost

4. Consensus & Misconceptions: It’s Not About Left vs. Right

5. Modern Architecture—Defending & Critiquing

6. Beauty, Sustainability, and Craft

7. Cost & Consumerism: Can We Afford Beauty?

8. Global Examples: Where Does It Work?

9. The Case for Brutalism

10. Modern Romance & Earnestness: The Need for Earnest Feeling

11. The Role of Art & Poetry: Cultural Diet

12. Accessibility and Elitism in Art

13. The Wisdom of the Ages—On Reading and Regret

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Segment Timestamps

Final Reflections