Art Belief

I believe that art is not merely a form of self-expression – it is a way for humanity to understand itself. jdk

What does it mean for art to help humanity “understand itself”? jdk

It means that through art, people can confront emotions, ideas, and experiences that might otherwise remain hidden or inexpressible. Art mirrors society’s fears, hopes, and contradictions, allowing reflection and growth.

But can’t science and philosophy also help humanity understand itself? jdk: Yes, they do – but art reaches emotional truths that logic cannot. Where science explains how things work, and philosophy asks why, art reveals what it feels like to be human.

Isn’t art subjective, though? How can something so personal teach us about humanity as a whole? Thinker

Isn’t art subjective, though? How can something so personal teach us about humanity as a whole?

Does this mean all art must have a message or moral? Thinker

Not necessarily an intentional message. But there is still a message, even if it is just a simple statement of existence or expression of a momentary emotion.

What percent of mankind do you believe actually learns more about themselves from art? Thinker

Depending on how big or frequent a lesson you count, I believe virtually everyone does. But if you mean intentional, considered learning, I'd guess 20% or less. Really though, I don't know. This seems like the sort of thing most people don't speak about commonly.

True but why isn't it taught this way? Thinker

I believe it is in high levels of art education. In introductory education I expect it would be a distraction from the basics.

Is this a conscious thing, or have we evolved to do this? in other words, what is the biological motivating factor to do this? Mactac

I believe both can be true. We've long been at a place where evolution is no longer purely accidental.

Ireland just began giving artists a guaranteed basic income. How do you feel about this in the context of your posted belief? Mactac

I'd say my belief that art is important to humanity in general supports the practice of publicly funded artists. Of course that funding still needs to be judiciously applied.