Perhaps the most precious possession of man is his abiding awareness of the Analogy of Proper Proportionality, the key to all metaphysical insight, and perhaps the very condition of consciousness itself. This analogical awareness is constituted of a perpetual play of ratios among ratios. A is to B, what C is to D, which is to say the ratio between A and B, is proportionable to the ratio between C and D, there being a ratio between these ratios, as well, this lively awareness of the most exquisite delicacy depends upon there being no connection whatsoever between the components. If A were linked to B, or C to D, mere logic would take the place of analogical perception, thus one of the penalties paid for literacy and a high visual culture is a strong tendency to encounter all things through a rigorous storyline, as it were. Paradoxically, connected spaces and situations exclude participation, whereas discontinuity affords room for involvement. Visual space is connected and creates detachment or non-involvement. It also tends to exclude the participation of the other senses. (p.240)
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Analogical awareness is key to insight but literacy and visual culture push us toward rigid storytelling.
- In plain terms
- Seeing ratios between things helps understanding but reading makes us focus on straight lines.
- What can you take from it?
- Value analogical thinking even as text culture favors linear logic.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does text shape your thinking?
- Can you think analogically without text?
Another view
Not all visual cultures prioritize storyline over analogy.
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