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About this quote

What does it mean?
He contrasts sight and sound, suggesting sound communicates emotion more directly to the idea.
In plain terms
Sounds often convey feelings more directly than images.
What can you take from it?
Consider sound as direct emotional communication.

Where it applies

  • music theory
  • art analysis
  • communication

Putting it to work

  • prioritize audio design
  • study music
  • compare mediums

Questions to consider

  • Why is sound more direct?
  • Which medium moves you more?

Another view

Visual art can also convey emotion directly.

More from Alfred North Whitehead

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  2. Intellect is to emotion as our clothes are to our bodies; we could not very well have civilized life without clothes, but we would be in a poor way if we had o…

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  3. Art is the imposing of a pattern on experience, and our aesthetic enjoyment in recognition of the pattern.

    Permalink to quote #58

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