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I find this a concise definition of good art:

> The true work of art leads us from that which exists only once and never again, i.e. the individual, to that which exists perpetually and time and time again in innumerable manifestations, the pure form (or Idea).

Schopenhauer, On the Suffering of the World




Worthy of contemplation and a fuller read.

My 13 year old daughter came home last night and wanted to tell me some things about Schopenhauer. It was a good day.


great quote - and the dialectic is that it is only through the most "individuated" individuals that such work can be brought forth (the Frankfurt school would say during Modernity, such individuals are not so much distinct, but the most alienated)


I think this individuation and uniqueness is probably what makes art truly "beautiful." I tend to be drawn to art that is often darker and would be described as depressing by most people, while finding positivity in the themes.


I am always wary of “true” as a qualifier of art.

What is untrue art?

Ymmv.




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