Art is not, as the metaphysicians say, the manifestation of some mysterious Idea of beauty or God; it is not, as the aesthetical physiologists say, [play or] a game in which one releases surplus energy, ...not the production of pleasing objects, and is above all, not pleasure itself, but it is the means of union among mankind, joining them in the same feelings, and necessary for the life and progress toward the good of the individual and of humanity.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Art is not about beauty, games, or pleasure; it is a tool to unite people through shared feelings for moral progress.
- In plain terms
- Art unites people through feelings rather than just providing pleasure.
- What can you take from it?
- Art serves humanity by uniting people through shared emotion.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What is the purpose of art?
- Does art improve society?
Another view
Some may argue pleasure is a valid goal for art.
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