Good person Quote by Sloane Crosley
““There's a lot of pointing. A festival of pointing and at very close range to other people's eyes, given the width of the space. Also detracting from the exhibit's potential tranquility is the display cabinet of pinned specimens along one wall. I found this disturbing from the start. You don't see a whole lot of stuffed polar bears in the polar bear exhibit at the zoo, for instance. And butterflies have phenomenal vision so it's not like they can't see the mass crucifixion in their midst. I was offended on behalf of the butterflies and thus pleased with my offense. Let the empathizing begin! This volunteering thing was working already. I am a good person, hear me give!””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Art of Pointing” in The New Yorker, 2015
The author critiques the excessive focus on small details in a museum exhibit, arguing it distracts from overall tranquility and disrespects both visitors and even creatures.
In simple terms: Too much focus on tiny things can ruin a peaceful experience.
Key Takeaway
Notice the big picture, not just the details.
Themes
attention to detail
museum experience
human perception
animal empathy
art criticism
Mood
critical
reflective
ironic
Type
analytical
commentary
When to use this quote
- museum visits
- curating exhibits
- designing displays
- educational tours
- animal welfare advocacy
Key Concepts
aesthetic theory
environmental psychology
ethical observation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does focusing on minutiae affect your appreciation of art?
- What balance should museums strike between detail and ambience?
A Different Perspective
The critique may overlook the educational value of detailed displays for some audiences.
