Music

In , the character Settembrini calls music "politically suspect." It does not inspire action but instead encourages complacency; whatever clarity it possesses is "without consequences and therefore dangerous" and "irresponsible." It caters to and inspires emotions rather than working on reason.

Settembrini tames this by suggesting that, if "preceded by literature," there is a proper place and role for music (113). Further, it can also encourage us to attend to time; like all art, it quickens time and "quickens us to the finest enjoyment of time". But can also lead to dull, like an opiate, and thus work against action (114)

But "by music alone the world would get no further forward, alone she is a danger." (113)