Only then will science cease to be what it is now—on the one hand a
system of sophistries, needed for the maintenance of the existing
worn-out order of society, and, on the other hand, a shapeless mass of
miscellaneous knowledge, for the most part good for little or
nothing—and become a shapely and organic whole, having a definite and
reasonable purpose comprehensible to all men, namely, the purpose of
bringing to the consciousness of men the truths that flow from the
religious perception of our times.
And only then will art, which is always dependent on science, be what it
might and should be, an organ coequally important with science for the
life and progress of mankind.
Art is not a pleasure, a solace, or an amusement; art is a great matter.
Art is an organ of human life, transmitting man’s reasonable perception
into feeling. In our age the common religious perception of men is the
consciousness of the brotherhood of man—we know that the well-being of
man lies in union with his fellow-men. True science should indicate the
various methods of applying this consciousness to life. Art should
transform this perception into feeling.
The task of art is enormous. Through the influence of real art, aided by
science guided by religion, that peaceful co-operation of man which is
now obtained by external means—by our law-courts, police, charitable
institutions, factory inspection, etc.—should be obtained by man’s free
and joyous activity. Art should cause violence to be set aside.
And it is only art that can accomplish this.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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