I think this is my favorite piece of writing of yours. This is one of those rare essays I wish were longer because I want to sustain this feeling of attention.
Thanks for the response! I’ve been super interested in different ways that artists and philosophers refer to the ineffable core of the mystery of life: Agnes Martin calls it “perfection”… Federico campagna introduced me to Neoplatonism and the mysticism at the center of it… Enrique Martinez Celaya constantly orbits a reverent experience that unifies and goes beyond the intellectual/emotional… Richard Whittaker calls it “the secret alameda”. It has something to do with seeing a chipped tooth and finding it the most beautiful thing in the world. This is my interest and orientation as I approach this book… interest in questions of the ultra metaphysical - what is the highest “good” and how do we bring more of it into reality :)
This distinction between easy and difficult beauty is profound. What you describe as beauty requiring 'capacity for attention' reminds me of first seeing Rothko's paintings, which seemed boring until I stopped trying to comprehend them and just sat with the experience. The idea that we're realy trainable in our capacity to appreciate complexity feels increasingly important when everything is optimzed for instant gratification. I dunno if most people realize how much aesthetic depth they miss by always choosing easy beauty.
yesss I love this. Actually, felt similarly about more of the abstract expressionists when I was learning art history. This is a piece i wrote precisely about what you describe: a sudden attunement toward something more 'difficult' to appreciate but full of immense beauty
What an interesting reflection on beauty. It's such a fraught subject for many, myself included. But this loosened the knot of discomfort in my chest. An enlightening read.
This was truly beautiful! One of your best! The personal anecdotes intertwined with other definitions and understanding of beauty makes it such a wonderful read
I think this is my favorite piece of writing of yours. This is one of those rare essays I wish were longer because I want to sustain this feeling of attention.
Aw! Thank you. That's the highest form of compliment.
oh my god, i loved this. i read each paragraph twice.
thank you Prasi!
Beautiful. I just started the sovereignty of good earlier today.
Thank you for reading! Curious to hear what you think - lots of people noodling on 'just and loving' seeing.
Thanks for the response! I’ve been super interested in different ways that artists and philosophers refer to the ineffable core of the mystery of life: Agnes Martin calls it “perfection”… Federico campagna introduced me to Neoplatonism and the mysticism at the center of it… Enrique Martinez Celaya constantly orbits a reverent experience that unifies and goes beyond the intellectual/emotional… Richard Whittaker calls it “the secret alameda”. It has something to do with seeing a chipped tooth and finding it the most beautiful thing in the world. This is my interest and orientation as I approach this book… interest in questions of the ultra metaphysical - what is the highest “good” and how do we bring more of it into reality :)
This distinction between easy and difficult beauty is profound. What you describe as beauty requiring 'capacity for attention' reminds me of first seeing Rothko's paintings, which seemed boring until I stopped trying to comprehend them and just sat with the experience. The idea that we're realy trainable in our capacity to appreciate complexity feels increasingly important when everything is optimzed for instant gratification. I dunno if most people realize how much aesthetic depth they miss by always choosing easy beauty.
yesss I love this. Actually, felt similarly about more of the abstract expressionists when I was learning art history. This is a piece i wrote precisely about what you describe: a sudden attunement toward something more 'difficult' to appreciate but full of immense beauty
https://www.startingfromnix.com/p/for-a-long-time-nothing-then-suddenly
This was beautifully written!
thank you Amy <3
I love your writing so much and this one really touched me. Thank you :)
thank you for reading Bree!
This is so good.
What an interesting reflection on beauty. It's such a fraught subject for many, myself included. But this loosened the knot of discomfort in my chest. An enlightening read.
This was truly beautiful! One of your best! The personal anecdotes intertwined with other definitions and understanding of beauty makes it such a wonderful read