Adventure Quote by Thomas Merton
““I had learned from my own father that it was almost blasphemy to regard the function of art as merely to reproduce some kind of a sensible pleasure or, at best, to stir up the emotions to a transitory thrill. I had always understood that art was contemplation, and that it involved the action of the highest faculties of man.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Function of Art, Thomas Merton, 1961
Art should engage the mind’s highest faculties, not just provide fleeting pleasure or simple emotional thrills.
In simple terms: Art is deep contemplation, not just fun.
Key Takeaway
Create or appreciate art that challenges thought.
Themes
art
philosophy
creativity
Mood
thoughtful
inspired
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- museum visits
- creative writing
- educational curricula
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
aesthetic theory
human potential
Questions to Reflect On
- What does art mean to you personally?
- How can art inspire intellectual growth?
A Different Perspective
Some argue art’s purpose is also to entertain, which can be valuable.
![“I've used the Phoenix Centrifuge to replicate what the body's going to go through on the flight up. I've also done some gravity tests with ZERO-G [a charter-flight service in Arlington, Va., that uses modified Boeing 727s to simulate weightlessness], which went great.” quote by Richard Branson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/aa1/richard-branson-256_adventure_i-ve-used-the-phoenix-centrifuge-to-repl_903.jpg)
