"Sophisticated" people declared that beauty was kitsch 100 years ago. They praised Picasso and atonal symphonies instead. For a defense of beauty, read The Romatic Manifesto by Ayn Rand.
Interesting! I haven't read much Ayn Rand lately but I might check it out! What does she say that you think is different from other philosophers' take on this topic?
The Evidential Power of Beauty is a lovely book showing how beauty in nature/science shows God. It considers both micro (subatomic) & macro (beyond galaxies) scale. God is the beautiful Creator of all beauty. Beholding & appreciating beauty is a balm to the soul & the more you look for it, the more you will find.
Yesterday I participated in a meeting to discuss how to set up a club in my region for adults to regularly meet to experience the beauty of nature together, as well as to develop a sense of community in that. This article captures some of what we discussed regarding why there is a need for this club.
For me it is the beauty in nature. I am particularly fond of sunrise hikes and am lucky to live near both woods and ocean. But getting out in nature doesn’t have to be a big event. While it can be harder in the city, many cities work hard to create parks and green spaces. A place to observe wildlife— even if it is just a squirrel. Birds, trees. It takes your focus outward. And connects you to the natural world.
"Sophisticated" people declared that beauty was kitsch 100 years ago. They praised Picasso and atonal symphonies instead. For a defense of beauty, read The Romatic Manifesto by Ayn Rand.
Interesting! I haven't read much Ayn Rand lately but I might check it out! What does she say that you think is different from other philosophers' take on this topic?
The good. The true. The beautiful. We seem more interested in their opposites.
Sadly, yes.
The Evidential Power of Beauty is a lovely book showing how beauty in nature/science shows God. It considers both micro (subatomic) & macro (beyond galaxies) scale. God is the beautiful Creator of all beauty. Beholding & appreciating beauty is a balm to the soul & the more you look for it, the more you will find.
Yesterday I participated in a meeting to discuss how to set up a club in my region for adults to regularly meet to experience the beauty of nature together, as well as to develop a sense of community in that. This article captures some of what we discussed regarding why there is a need for this club.
For me it is the beauty in nature. I am particularly fond of sunrise hikes and am lucky to live near both woods and ocean. But getting out in nature doesn’t have to be a big event. While it can be harder in the city, many cities work hard to create parks and green spaces. A place to observe wildlife— even if it is just a squirrel. Birds, trees. It takes your focus outward. And connects you to the natural world.
I love the way you concluded the article. Yes to spending more time consciously unplugged!