BIBLIOCLASM Meaning and
Definition
-
Biblioclasm refers to the act of deliberate destruction or desecration of books, particularly religious or cultural texts. The term derives from the combination of two Greek words, "biblio" meaning book and "clasm" meaning break or destroy. It is essentially a form of iconoclasm but specifically targets books as a means of suppressing knowledge, ideas, or beliefs represented within them.
Instances of biblioclasm can be traced back to ancient times, where conquerors, religious authorities, or ideological opponents sought to eradicate opposing or dissenting ideas by physically destroying written works. The motivation behind biblioclasm varies but often stems from a desire to maintain or enforce certain religious or political doctrines, or to limit access to certain information.
Throughout history, many significant cases of biblioclasm have occurred during periods of intense social or political upheaval. Examples include the burning of the Library of Alexandria, during which countless treasured volumes were destroyed, or the Nazi book burnings in the 1930s, aimed at eliminating texts deemed contrary to their ideology.
However, it is crucial to note that biblioclasm is universally condemned as a form of censorship and an attack on intellectual and cultural freedom. In democratic societies, it is essential to protect the freedom of expression and the availability of diverse ideas contained within books. Biblioclasm is considered a regressive and detrimental act, hindering intellectual progress and undermining the values of open-mindedness and tolerance.
Common Misspellings for BIBLIOCLASM
- viblioclasm
- niblioclasm
- hiblioclasm
- giblioclasm
- bublioclasm
- bjblioclasm
- bkblioclasm
- boblioclasm
- b9blioclasm
- b8blioclasm
- bivlioclasm
- binlioclasm
- bihlioclasm
- biglioclasm
- bibkioclasm
- bibpioclasm
- biboioclasm
- bibluoclasm
- bibljoclasm
- biblkoclasm
Etymology of BIBLIOCLASM
The word "biblioclasm" is derived from two Greek roots: "biblio", meaning "book", and "klasmós", meaning "breaking" or "destruction". Hence, the etymology of "biblioclasm" can be understood as the act of breaking or destroying books. This term is commonly used to describe the deliberate destruction, defacement, or censorship of books.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
