Sartor Resartus · Chapter
The World in Clothes explained
Teufelsdröckh proposes a 'Spirit of Clothes' analogous to Montesquieu's 'Spirit of Laws,' arguing that clothing reflects an architectural idea and spiritual idiosyncrasies.
What happens
Teufelsdröckh proposes a 'Spirit of Clothes' analogous to Montesquieu's 'Spirit of Laws,' arguing that clothing reflects an architectural idea and spiritual idiosyncrasies. He surveys the history of costume from primitive ornament to modern dress, asserting that clothes gave humanity individuality, social polity, and modesty. The chapter also defines man as a 'Tool-using Animal,' linking tools—including clothes—to human progress and power.
Themes in this chapter
Clothing as Symbol
Teufelsdröckh argues that clothes embody an 'Architectural Idea' and spiritual meaning, shaping individuality and social order.
Historical and Social Transformation
The chapter traces human progress from primitive ornament to modern tools, printing, money, and political power.
Critique of Society and Materialism
Clothes are shown as both elevating humanity and threatening to turn people into 'Clothes-screens,' critiquing superficiality.
Characters to notice
- Diogenes Teufelsdröckh
The Professor delivers his philosophy of clothes, tracing human development through costume and tool use.
- The Editor
The Editor summarizes and comments on Teufelsdröckh's First Part, expressing skepticism about its encyclopedic scope.
- Herr Hofrath Heuschrecke
Heuschrecke is mentioned as having recommended the book to a joint-stock publication vehicle.
- Monsieur Ude
Referenced in a rhetorical question about cooking among the Orinoco Indians.
Key passages
“As Montesquieu wrote a Spirit of Laws, so could I write a Spirit of Clothes; thus, with an Esprit des Lois, properly an Esprit de Coutumes, we should have an Esprit de Costumes.”
Just as Montesquieu analyzed laws, I could analyze clothing, linking customs and costumes.
Teufelsdröckh introduces his central analogy between clothing and law.
“Man is a Tool-using Animal (Handthierendes thier). Weak in himself, and of small stature, he stands on a basis, at most for the flattest-soled, of some half-square foot, insecurely enough; has to straddle out his legs, lest the very wind supplant him.”
Humans are defined by their ability to use tools, compensating for physical weakness.
Teufelsdröckh's definition of humanity as tool-users, with clothes as one example.
“He who first shortened the labour of Copyists by device of Movable Types was disbanding hired Armies, and cashiering most Kings and Senates, and creating a whole new Democratic world: he had invented the Art of Printing.”
The invention of printing with movable type revolutionized society, undermining armies, kings, and parliaments to create democracy.
Teufelsdröckh highlights the transformative power of technological innovation.