What is Art?
Authors: Leo Tolstoy, Leo Tolstoy
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Overview
In ‘What is Art?’ I attempt to define art not as the pursuit of beauty, but as a means of emotional communication vital for human connection and societal progress. My target audience is anyone engaged with art – artists, critics, and the public alike – whom I urge to reconsider their assumptions about art’s purpose and value. This work addresses a critical issue of my time: the increasing disconnect between art and the lives of most people. I argue that by prioritizing beauty and pleasure, art has become a superficial amusement for the upper classes, losing its potential for spiritual and moral guidance. This perspective contrasts sharply with prevailing aesthetic theories, many of which I examine and critique, exposing their inconsistencies and limitations. I contend that true art must be accessible and meaningful to all, regardless of social standing or education. I offer a new criteria for evaluating art – infectiousness – emphasizing the importance of sincerity, clarity, and the communication of feelings that resonate with universal human experience. I also explore the role of religion in shaping artistic expression, and the influence of professionalization, art criticism, and art schools in the decline of genuine art. Finally, I envision a future where art becomes a means of fostering unity and promoting the brotherhood of humankind.
Book Outline
5. V
I define art as the communication of feelings through external signs, causing others to experience the same emotions. This defines art’s purpose as fostering connection and promoting unity among people.
Key concept: Art is that human activity which consists in one man’s consciously conveying to others, by certain external signs, the feelings he has experienced, and in others being infected by those feelings and also experiencing them.
7. VII
I distinguish between goodness and beauty: True goodness aligns with our highest aspirations, ultimately God, while beauty is merely what pleases us. These concepts are often conflated, leading to a misunderstanding of art’s purpose.
Key concept: The good is the eternal, the highest aim of our life. No matter how we understand the good, our life is nothing else than a striving towards the good – that is, towards God.
6. VI
The criteria by which art is judged depend on society’s understanding of good and evil, which is shaped by religion. As religious consciousness evolves, so too does the understanding of art and its role in society.
Key concept: The appreciation of the merits of art – that is, of the feelings it conveys – depends on people’s understanding of the meaning of life, on what they see as good and evil in life.
1. I
I observe how contemporary art, such as opera and ballet, often caters to the upper classes, prioritizing spectacle over substance and failing to connect with the experiences and values of the majority.
Key concept: Involuntarily, a question comes to mind: for whom is this being done? Who can like it?
6. VI
The decline of religious belief among the upper classes has led to the rise of an art focused on personal pleasure and beauty, a shift back towards a pagan worldview that undermines art’s potential for spiritual and social upliftment.
Key concept: No longer able to believe in the Church religion… these wealthy and powerful people, being left without any religious understanding of life, returned willy-nilly to that pagan world view which locates the meaning of life in personal pleasure.
12. XII
Counterfeit art thrives due to three factors: the professionalization of artists, art criticism, and art schools. These institutions often prioritize technique over sincerity and reinforce established canons, hindering the development of genuine, universally accessible art.
Key concept: Three conditions contribute to the production in our society of objects of counterfeit art. These conditions are: (1) the considerable remuneration of artists for their works and the resultant establishing of the artist as a professional, (2) art criticism, and (3) art schools.
Essential Questions
1. What is the true definition of art, and how does it differ from the pursuit of beauty?
I argue that art is not the manifestation of beauty, but rather the communication of feelings through external signs. This definition emphasizes the infectious nature of art, where the artist’s genuine emotion is transmitted to the perceiver, creating a sense of shared experience and connection. I reject the pursuit of beauty as art’s primary aim, seeing it as a superficial and exclusive focus that has led to the production of much counterfeit art. True art, for me, must be sincere, clear, and capable of uniting people in shared emotions, regardless of their background or social standing.
2. How has the decline of religious faith among the upper classes impacted the development of art?
The decline of religious faith among the upper classes led them to seek meaning in personal pleasure, shaping a new art focused on beauty, vanity, and sensuality. This shift resulted in the production of art for amusement, largely devoid of the spiritual and moral depth found in earlier religious art. The consequences of this shift are threefold: the impoverishment of art’s content, the increasing obscurity and exclusivity of its forms, and ultimately, the replacement of genuine art with superficial counterfeits.
3. What role do professionalization, art criticism, and art schools play in the production of counterfeit art?
I condemn the professionalization of art, art criticism, and art schools as contributing to the production of counterfeit art. I see them as institutions that prioritize technique and adherence to established canons over sincerity and genuine emotional expression. They cater to the tastes of the upper classes and propagate a false understanding of art’s purpose, ultimately hindering the development of a truly universal and accessible art.
4. What is the potential for a future art, and what will its characteristics be?
I envision an art of the future that is accessible to all, free from the complexities and exclusivity of contemporary art. This art will draw on two sources of feeling: the Christian consciousness of brotherhood and love, and simple, universal emotions like joy, sorrow, and peace. The aim of this art will be to foster unity and understanding among all people, regardless of their background or beliefs, and to ultimately eliminate violence.
5. How does the current state of science relate to the perversion of art?
The false path of modern science mirrors the state of modern art. Both have abandoned their true purpose – to guide humanity towards greater understanding and well-being – and instead serve the interests of the upper classes. While one part of science justifies the existing social order, the other pursues trivial or even harmful knowledge. True science, for me, should focus on answering the fundamental questions of human life and promoting the well-being of all people.
1. What is the true definition of art, and how does it differ from the pursuit of beauty?
I argue that art is not the manifestation of beauty, but rather the communication of feelings through external signs. This definition emphasizes the infectious nature of art, where the artist’s genuine emotion is transmitted to the perceiver, creating a sense of shared experience and connection. I reject the pursuit of beauty as art’s primary aim, seeing it as a superficial and exclusive focus that has led to the production of much counterfeit art. True art, for me, must be sincere, clear, and capable of uniting people in shared emotions, regardless of their background or social standing.
2. How has the decline of religious faith among the upper classes impacted the development of art?
The decline of religious faith among the upper classes led them to seek meaning in personal pleasure, shaping a new art focused on beauty, vanity, and sensuality. This shift resulted in the production of art for amusement, largely devoid of the spiritual and moral depth found in earlier religious art. The consequences of this shift are threefold: the impoverishment of art’s content, the increasing obscurity and exclusivity of its forms, and ultimately, the replacement of genuine art with superficial counterfeits.
3. What role do professionalization, art criticism, and art schools play in the production of counterfeit art?
I condemn the professionalization of art, art criticism, and art schools as contributing to the production of counterfeit art. I see them as institutions that prioritize technique and adherence to established canons over sincerity and genuine emotional expression. They cater to the tastes of the upper classes and propagate a false understanding of art’s purpose, ultimately hindering the development of a truly universal and accessible art.
4. What is the potential for a future art, and what will its characteristics be?
I envision an art of the future that is accessible to all, free from the complexities and exclusivity of contemporary art. This art will draw on two sources of feeling: the Christian consciousness of brotherhood and love, and simple, universal emotions like joy, sorrow, and peace. The aim of this art will be to foster unity and understanding among all people, regardless of their background or beliefs, and to ultimately eliminate violence.
5. How does the current state of science relate to the perversion of art?
The false path of modern science mirrors the state of modern art. Both have abandoned their true purpose – to guide humanity towards greater understanding and well-being – and instead serve the interests of the upper classes. While one part of science justifies the existing social order, the other pursues trivial or even harmful knowledge. True science, for me, should focus on answering the fundamental questions of human life and promoting the well-being of all people.
Key Takeaways
1. Art’s primary purpose is to communicate feelings and foster human connection.
Art, at its core, is about connection and shared emotion. It’s not just the creation of beautiful objects, but the transmission of feelings that resonate with our deepest human experiences. This understanding helps us evaluate art based on its ability to move us and connect us with others, rather than its technical skill or adherence to established conventions.
Practical Application:
For AI product engineers, this understanding can guide the design of AI-powered art generators or recommendation systems. Instead of solely focusing on technical prowess or aesthetic appeal, they should aim to create systems that evoke genuine emotions and facilitate meaningful connections among users. This could involve, for instance, incorporating features that allow users to personalize their artistic experiences or share their creations in ways that foster a sense of community.
2. Sincerity of expression is essential for creating impactful and meaningful art.
Sincerity is paramount in creating truly moving art. When an artist expresses genuine emotion, it resonates with the audience and creates a powerful connection. This applies not only to traditional art forms, but also to any creative endeavor, including those that involve technology or AI.
Practical Application:
AI engineers developing systems that interact with human emotions, such as chatbots or virtual assistants, should prioritize the authentic expression of emotion in their design. Instead of resorting to artificial or overly complex emotional cues, focus on expressing simple, universal feelings that can create genuine connection with users. For example, a chatbot offering condolences should focus on conveying sincerity and empathy rather than using elaborate language or theatrical displays of grief.
3. Art should be universally accessible and capable of uniting all people.
Art should not be an exclusive domain reserved for the elite or those with specialized training. True art should be accessible to everyone and capable of uniting people in shared experiences. This democratization of art is essential for realizing its full potential to foster understanding and connection among all members of society.
Practical Application:
This takeaway highlights the potential for AI to democratize artistic creation and appreciation. By developing AI tools that are easy to use and accessible to all, we can empower individuals to express themselves creatively and experience the joy of artistic creation, regardless of their technical skill or background. Imagine, for instance, AI-powered music composition tools that allow anyone to create and share their own melodies, fostering a more inclusive and participatory art landscape.
1. Art’s primary purpose is to communicate feelings and foster human connection.
Art, at its core, is about connection and shared emotion. It’s not just the creation of beautiful objects, but the transmission of feelings that resonate with our deepest human experiences. This understanding helps us evaluate art based on its ability to move us and connect us with others, rather than its technical skill or adherence to established conventions.
Practical Application:
For AI product engineers, this understanding can guide the design of AI-powered art generators or recommendation systems. Instead of solely focusing on technical prowess or aesthetic appeal, they should aim to create systems that evoke genuine emotions and facilitate meaningful connections among users. This could involve, for instance, incorporating features that allow users to personalize their artistic experiences or share their creations in ways that foster a sense of community.
2. Sincerity of expression is essential for creating impactful and meaningful art.
Sincerity is paramount in creating truly moving art. When an artist expresses genuine emotion, it resonates with the audience and creates a powerful connection. This applies not only to traditional art forms, but also to any creative endeavor, including those that involve technology or AI.
Practical Application:
AI engineers developing systems that interact with human emotions, such as chatbots or virtual assistants, should prioritize the authentic expression of emotion in their design. Instead of resorting to artificial or overly complex emotional cues, focus on expressing simple, universal feelings that can create genuine connection with users. For example, a chatbot offering condolences should focus on conveying sincerity and empathy rather than using elaborate language or theatrical displays of grief.
3. Art should be universally accessible and capable of uniting all people.
Art should not be an exclusive domain reserved for the elite or those with specialized training. True art should be accessible to everyone and capable of uniting people in shared experiences. This democratization of art is essential for realizing its full potential to foster understanding and connection among all members of society.
Practical Application:
This takeaway highlights the potential for AI to democratize artistic creation and appreciation. By developing AI tools that are easy to use and accessible to all, we can empower individuals to express themselves creatively and experience the joy of artistic creation, regardless of their technical skill or background. Imagine, for instance, AI-powered music composition tools that allow anyone to create and share their own melodies, fostering a more inclusive and participatory art landscape.
Suggested Deep Dive
Chapter: XII
This chapter delves into the three conditions that contribute to counterfeit art, providing a critical lens for examining the influence of social and economic structures on artistic production. This understanding can be particularly valuable for AI product engineers who are tasked with designing systems that promote authentic artistic expression and avoid the pitfalls of producing or promoting counterfeit art.
Memorable Quotes
V. 90
Art is that human activity which consists in one man’s consciously conveying to others, by certain external signs, the feelings he has experienced, and in others being infected by those feelings and also experiencing them.
VII. 109
The good is the eternal, the highest aim of our life. No matter how we understand the good, our life is nothing else than a striving towards the good – that is, towards God.
VI. 94
The appreciation of the merits of art – that is, of the feelings it conveys – depends on people’s understanding of the meaning of life, on what they see as good and evil in life.
VII. 101
No longer able to believe in the Church religion… these wealthy and powerful people, being left without any religious understanding of life, returned willy-nilly to that pagan world view which locates the meaning of life in personal pleasure.
XII. 169
Three conditions contribute to the production in our society of objects of counterfeit art. These conditions are: (1) the considerable remuneration of artists for their works and the resultant establishing of the artist as a professional, (2) art criticism, and (3) art schools.
V. 90
Art is that human activity which consists in one man’s consciously conveying to others, by certain external signs, the feelings he has experienced, and in others being infected by those feelings and also experiencing them.
VII. 109
The good is the eternal, the highest aim of our life. No matter how we understand the good, our life is nothing else than a striving towards the good – that is, towards God.
VI. 94
The appreciation of the merits of art – that is, of the feelings it conveys – depends on people’s understanding of the meaning of life, on what they see as good and evil in life.
VII. 101
No longer able to believe in the Church religion… these wealthy and powerful people, being left without any religious understanding of life, returned willy-nilly to that pagan world view which locates the meaning of life in personal pleasure.
XII. 169
Three conditions contribute to the production in our society of objects of counterfeit art. These conditions are: (1) the considerable remuneration of artists for their works and the resultant establishing of the artist as a professional, (2) art criticism, and (3) art schools.
Comparative Analysis
My exploration of art’s purpose diverges significantly from dominant aesthetic theories of the late 19th century. Unlike those who prioritize beauty, I reject aestheticism, viewing it as a justification for the empty amusements of the upper class. My emphasis on feeling aligns with the Romantic tradition, but I go further, rejecting even great Romantic works like Goethe’s ‘Faust’ for their lack of universal accessibility. While I criticize the scientific materialism of my time, my call for art to convey moral truths resonates with the social realism of authors like Dickens, whose works I praise for their depiction of human suffering and compassion. My definition of art as a means of communication also finds echoes in the work of John Dewey, who, in ‘Art as Experience,’ emphasizes art’s ability to connect individuals and cultivate shared experiences. However, unlike Dewey, I prioritize the communication of specifically Christian values, advocating for an art that promotes brotherhood and unites all people.
Reflection
While my condemnation of modern art might seem extreme, I believe it stemmed from a genuine concern for the role of art in society. I saw art as a powerful tool for moral and spiritual upliftment, a means of uniting people and fostering a sense of shared humanity. My critique of the ‘art for art’s sake’ movement reflects a broader anxiety about the increasing materialism and individualism of my time. I feared that art, by focusing on beauty and pleasure, had become complicit in the widening gap between the rich and the poor, and had lost its power to inspire compassion and action. My emphasis on Christian values reflects my own beliefs, but also points to a broader search for meaning and purpose in a rapidly changing world. While my analysis might be seen as overly moralistic, I believe it raises crucial questions about the role of art and its responsibility to serve the greater good. In the context of AI, my concerns about the potential for art to distract and corrupt are even more relevant today, as we grapple with the ethical implications of increasingly sophisticated technologies that can generate and manipulate human emotions.
Flashcards
What is Tolstoy’s definition of art?
Communication of feelings through external signs, causing others to experience the same emotions.
What is the primary criterion for judging the worth of art, according to Tolstoy?
The infectiousness of art; the degree to which the artwork transmits the artist’s feelings to the audience.
What are the three conditions that influence the infectiousness of art?
The greater or lesser particularity of the feeling conveyed, the clarity of expression, and the sincerity of the artist.
What is the chief mistake made by upper-class people during the Renaissance and perpetuated today, according to Tolstoy?
The pursuit of beauty as the primary aim of art.
What are the three conditions that contribute to the production of counterfeit art?
Professionalization of artists, art criticism, and art schools.
What is the art of the future, according to Tolstoy?
An art that conveys feelings stemming from the religious consciousness of brotherhood and unity, as well as simple, universal emotions accessible to all people.
What is Tolstoy’s definition of art?
Communication of feelings through external signs, causing others to experience the same emotions.
What is the primary criterion for judging the worth of art, according to Tolstoy?
The infectiousness of art; the degree to which the artwork transmits the artist’s feelings to the audience.
What are the three conditions that influence the infectiousness of art?
The greater or lesser particularity of the feeling conveyed, the clarity of expression, and the sincerity of the artist.
What is the chief mistake made by upper-class people during the Renaissance and perpetuated today, according to Tolstoy?
The pursuit of beauty as the primary aim of art.
What are the three conditions that contribute to the production of counterfeit art?
Professionalization of artists, art criticism, and art schools.
What is the art of the future, according to Tolstoy?
An art that conveys feelings stemming from the religious consciousness of brotherhood and unity, as well as simple, universal emotions accessible to all people.