Art Quote by Ludwig Wittgenstein
““The work of art is the object seen sub specie aeternitatis; and the good life is the world seen sub specie aeternitatis. This is the connection between art and ethics. The usual way of looking at things sees objects as it were from the midst of them, the view sub specie aeternitatis from outside. In such a way that they have the whole world as background.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Remarks on the Philosophy of Psychology, 1953
Art and ethics share a perspective that sees things from an eternal, detached viewpoint, revealing deeper meaning beyond immediate experience.
In simple terms: Seeing the world from a timeless, objective stance links beauty and morality.
Key Takeaway
Adopt a broader, detached view to understand deeper values.
Themes
philosophy
art
ethics
perspective
Mood
contemplative
introspective
analytical
Type
philosophical
reflective
inspirational
When to use this quote
- museum curation
- ethical decision making
- personal reflection
- academic analysis
Key Concepts
sub specie aeternitatis
objective observation
holistic view
Questions to Reflect On
- How does stepping back change your moral judgments?
- Can art ever be truly objective?
A Different Perspective
Such a detached view may ignore personal context and emotional nuance.
![“The work of art is the object seen sub specie aeternitatis [i.e., under the aspect of eternity]; and the good life is the world seen sub specie aeternitatis. This is the connection between art and ethics.” quote by Ludwig Wittgenstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/996/ludwig-wittgenstein-582_art_the-work-of-art-is-the-object-seen-sub-s_268451.jpg)
![“Through the last few decades it [the art object] has been ripped off the wall and twisted through every conceivable permutation, yet back to the wall it insists on going.” quote by Ashley Bickerton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/17c/ashley-bickerton-97591_art_through-the-last-few-decades-it-the-art_501091.jpg)
