Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Vol. 68, No 420, October 1850Various
History
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Vol. 68, No 420, October 1850
Various
England -- Periodicals; Scotland -- Periodicals
I don't quite understand what Mr Stewart means here by "the _culture_
of Imagination." I see three senses of the word. First, the cultivation
by the study of written Poetry and the poetical arts, and of the poetry
poured through the Universe--to those minds which receive without
producing--a legitimate process. Secondly, the cultivation as in Edwin,
Beattie's young Minstrel, the destined and self-destining Poet--a
legitimate process. And thirdly, the self-indulgence of a mind which,
more sensitive than volitive, more imaginative than intellectual, more
wilful than lawful, more self-loving than others-loving--turns life
into a long reverie--an illegitimate process. Which of these three
classes of minds does Stewart speak of? Strong native imagination in
a young powerful enthusiastic mind, tutored by poetical studies, but
whom the Muse has _not_ selected to the services of her shrine? Or the
faculty as in the Poet-born self-tutored, and now rushing into his own
predestined work? Or the soft-souled and indolent _fainéant_ Dreamer
of life? Three totally distinct subjects for the contemplation of the
Philosopher, but that here seem to hover confusedly and at once before
our Philosopher.
BULLER.
By his chosen title of the Section, THE POET, he was bound to speak of
him according to Bacon, d'Alembert, and Aristotle.
NORTH.
The word _culture_ must, I think, here specifically touch the First
Case. Shall we then be afraid of giving a share, and a large share
too, to the reading of the Poets, and the regard of the Fine Arts, in
a liberal Education? Poetry, History, Science, are the three strands
of the cable by which the vessel shall ride--Religion being the
sheet-anchor.
SEWARD.
Perhaps it is meant to touch the Second Case too?
NORTH.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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