Art
Schumacher in a digression from his main argument discusses the nature and importance of art. He notes that there is considerable confusion about the nature and meaning of art; but argues that this confusion dissipates when one considers art with relation to its effect on human beings. Most art fits into two categories. If art is designed to primarily affect our feelings then it is entertainment; while if art is primarily designed to affect our will then it is propaganda.
Great art is a multi-faceted phenomenon, which is not content to be merely propaganda or entertainment; but by appealing to man's higher intellectual and emotional faculties, it is designed to communicate truth. When entertainment and propaganda are transcended by, and subordinated to the communication of truth, art helps develop our higher faculties and that makes it great.
Read more about this topic: A Guide For The Perplexed
Famous quotes containing the word art:
“His art is eccentricity, his aim
How not to hit the mark he seems to aim at,”
—Robert Francis (b. 1901)
“Being good in business is the most fascinating kind of art.... Making money is art and working is art and good business is the best art.”
—Andy Warhol (c. 1928–1987)
“We are all hungry and thirsty for concrete images. Abstract art will have been good for one thing: to restore its exact virginity to figurative art.”
—Salvador Dali (1904–1989)