Moving the Mountain · Chapter
The New Education and the Arts explained
The narrator continues his exploration of the transformed society, focusing on the new education system and the role of the arts.
What happens
The narrator continues his exploration of the transformed society, focusing on the new education system and the role of the arts. He discusses with Owen the changes in journalism and advertising, and the socialized press. He observes the new generation, free from old prejudices, and the altered views on youth and age. Nellie attributes these changes to the liberation of women. The narrator notes the integration of art into daily life, with theatre and music becoming common educational tools. He also reflects on the importance of community living over isolated family units.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
The narrator’s emotional peak occurs as he fully detaches from external guidance—his sister, family, and speci…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- The Power of Ideas and Consciousness
The chapter explores how changing ideas and consciousness, particularly through education and the arts, transformed society.
- Collectivism vs. Individualism
The narrative contrasts the old individualistic society with the new collectivist approach, especially in education and community living.
- The Meaning of Progress and Technology
The chapter discusses how technological and social progress, including the socialization of business and the press, contributed to a better society.
Characters to notice
- Nellie Robertson
Explains the change in women's roles and the resulting societal progress.
- Owen
Discusses the reform of education and the press, and the socialization of business.
- Brother John
The narrator, observing and questioning the new society.
Key passages
“Instead of those perpendicular peaks of isolated genius we used to have, surrounded by the ignorantly indifferent many, and the excessively admiring few, those geniuses now sloped gently down to the average on long graduated lines of decreasing ability.”
In the past, geniuses stood alone, isolated from the masses, but now their talents are more evenly distributed, connecting them to the common people.
The narrator observes the democratization of art and talent in the new society.
“We have made lying to the public a crime—don’t you remember? Each community has its Board of Standards; there is a constant effort to improve standards you see, in all products; and expert judgment may always be had, for nothing.”
The new society has made false advertising illegal, with community boards ensuring product standards and providing free expert evaluations.
Owen explains the reformed press and advertising practices.
“Women today have all that they ever had before, all that was good in it; and more, a thousand times more. When the lives of half the world widen like that it widens the other half too.”
Women now enjoy all the good aspects of their previous roles plus many more opportunities, and this expansion benefits everyone.
Nellie attributes societal progress to the liberation of women.
