sometimes it puzzles me when people see some clear distinction between the purpose of art and science. you see, to me, they both are just ways to see and understand the world. we are all so tiny, and the world is so huge. the universe is even bigger. it’s impossible for an individual to see all of it on their own. so we rely on each other, exchange notes, see what we can see in our little corners of the universe and we tell each other about it, so that we may know more, understand more.
think about it - so much of science is collaborative. the reason humanity has been able to advance so far is that we not only figure things out but we also pass it on to the next generation. we build upon each others’ knowledge so that we may see a clearer picture, and have a wider perspective. sometimes, that knowledge is in the form of equations, calculations and hypothesis; other times it’s in the form of philosophy, ideologies, or poetry.
it bothers me when literature or art is considered as an indulgent or frivolous pursuit because it serves the exact same purpose as any other form of learning does!! figuring things out and referring to others for their input! it’s dangerously arrogant to believe you can see and perfectly interpret the entire world around you and the galaxies beyond. there’s too much to know, see and understand. but luckily, there are also many of us here. and many before us who have been committed to the same cause. and they have created art, poetry, literature, songs and various other forms of expression to pass it on to us. it’d be foolish to ignore that. to leave them unstudied and unheard.
so please, try to know and see the world through as many different perspectives as you can. know the structure of an atom, and know the pathos of war. know how the muscles of your heart contract and know why it aches when you listen to ‘adiago for strings’. know what stars are, but also know what van gogh found in them. know the world around you in every way you can. understand it. and then, when you’re ready, pass it on.
