Notes on life, art, photography and technology, by a Danish dropout bohemian.
When you drink the water, remember the river.
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Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Goethe
One ought, every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and if it were possible, to speak a few reasonable words. -- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
It's a lot easier to do than it was in Goethe's day, and I think one of the things that made his advice virtuous was that it required an effort. I think he was recommending not just the experience of fine things, but the daily habit of seeking out fine things to experience.
We under-value those things which come too easily. We hear a hundred little songs, see many fine pictures, read tons of stuff (but rarely poems) -- but we give them each only a fraction of our attention.
As for speaking a few reasonable words, Goethe never saw cable TV talk shows.
It's just as easy to do today, if not easier. In his day if you lived in the sticks, you'd have a hard time getting to see any fine pictures. People today also have a much easier time seeking out good poetry, and well the little song he doesn't say has to be good, but finding that's a lot easier now too.
As for TV, there's plenty of good stuff out there. It's really easy to filter out the crap. One way is buy DVDs.
It's funny how it's always the stupidest people who complain about TV. It is up to the individual to make sure they have balance.
Yeah; it's very good. Not too taxing, either. :-)
ReplyDeleteIt's a lot easier to do than it was in Goethe's day, and I think one of the things that made his advice virtuous was that it required an effort. I think he was recommending not just the experience of fine things, but the daily habit of seeking out fine things to experience.
ReplyDeleteWe under-value those things which come too easily. We hear a hundred little songs, see many fine pictures, read tons of stuff (but rarely poems) -- but we give them each only a fraction of our attention.
As for speaking a few reasonable words, Goethe never saw cable TV talk shows.
Yes, well said, it was indeed a much bigger deal in his day. Which I think speak of more progress than jetliners.
ReplyDeleteIt's just as easy to do today, if not easier. In his day if you lived in the sticks, you'd have a hard time getting to see any fine pictures. People today also have a much easier time seeking out good poetry, and well the little song he doesn't say has to be good, but finding that's a lot easier now too.
ReplyDeleteAs for TV, there's plenty of good stuff out there. It's really easy to filter out the crap. One way is buy DVDs.
It's funny how it's always the stupidest people who complain about TV. It is up to the individual to make sure they have balance.