"Archaeologists have not yet discovered any stage of human existence without art. Even in the half-light before the dawn of humanity we received this gift from Hands we did not manage to discern. Nor have we managed to ask: Why was this gift given to us and what are we to do with it?
And all those prophets who are predicting that art is disintegrating, that it has used up all its forms, that it is dying, are mistaken. We are the ones who shall die. And art will remain. The question is whether before we perish we shall understand all its aspects and all its ends."
Alexander Solzhenitsyn, Beauty Will Save the World (via delicateswans)
I love this so much! It’s something I’ve been pondering lately. People greatly undervalue the necessity of art to the very fabric of humanity. It is vitally important for humans to either participate in or appreciate art. Art gives meaning to life. Maybe not the only meaning but certainly an important aspect. If we didn’t have singers and dancers and painters and actors and sculptors and writers and everyone who contributes to making art, creating stories and ideas, that we share with the rest of humanity then what’s the point of having engineers and accountants and lawyers? What’s the point of doing anything if all you do with your life is survive? The advanced human brain makes art necessity. Art makes philosophy accessible and connects us all through time and space. Art is magic.
(Source: onancientpaths)
