Skip to content

Finer feeling, which we now wish to consider, is chiefly…

“Finer feeling, which we now wish to consider, is chiefly of two kinds: the feeling of the *sublime* and that of the *beautiful*. The stirring of each is pleasant, but in different ways. The sight of a mountain whose snow-covered peak rises above the clouds, the description of a raging storm, or…” quote by Immanuel Kant
Download Open image
““Finer feeling, which we now wish to consider, is chiefly of two kinds: the feeling of the *sublime* and that of the *beautiful*. The stirring of each is pleasant, but in different ways. The sight of a mountain whose snow-covered peak rises above the clouds, the description of a raging storm, or Milton's portrayal of the infernal kingdom, arouse enjoyment but with horror; on the other hand, the sight of flower strewn meadows, valleys with winding brooks and covered with grazing flocks, the description of Elysium, or Homer's portrayal of the girdle of Venus, also occasion a pleasant sensation but one that is joyous and smiling. In order that the former impression could occur to us in due strength, we must have *a feeling of the sublime*, and, in order to enjoy the latter well, *a feeling of the beautiful*. Tall oaks and lonely shadows in a sacred grove are sublime; flower beds, low hedges and trees trimmed in figures are beautiful. Night is sublime; day is beautiful. Temperaments that possess a feeling for the sublime are drawn gradually, by the quiet stillness of a summer evening as the shimmering light of the stars breaks through the brown shadows of night and the lonely moon rises into view, into high feelings of friendship, of disdain for the world, of eternity. The shining day stimulates busy fervor and a feeling of gaiety. The sublime *moves*, the beautiful *charms*.””

Immanuel Kant

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Kant distinguishes two aesthetic feelings: the sublime, which evokes awe mixed with terror, and the beautiful, which brings gentle joy.

In simple terms: Sublime is awe‑inducing; beautiful is gently pleasant.

Key Takeaway

Recognize which feeling a work evokes.

Themes

aesthetic theory philosophy emotion art beauty the sublime

Mood

awe joy contemplation

Type

philosophical reflective

When to use this quote

  • art criticism
  • landscape painting
  • music composition
  • literary analysis
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

Kantian aesthetics subjective judgment emotional response

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you seek awe or comfort in art?
  • How does each feeling shape your values?
A Different Perspective

The sublime can overwhelm and cause fear; the beautiful may be dismissed as trivial.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Immanuel Kant

Explore all 476 Immanuel Kant quotes

More Aesthetics quotes

Browse all 302 Aesthetics quotes