
The Seven Lamps of Architecture (by John Ruskin)
"The Seven Lamps of Architecture" by John Ruskin outlines moral principles guiding great architecture. The lamps are: Sacrifice (putting purpose before personal gain), Truth (honest use of materials and design), Power (strength and durability), Beauty (visual harmony), Life (expression and character), Memory (respect for tradition), and Obedience (adherence to moral and aesthetic principles). Ruskin believed architecture should reflect moral integrity and craftsmanship, emphasizing that buildings serve both functional and higher cultural values. These lamps serve as ethical standards for creating meaningful, enduring structures.