Originally posted by: HelloDeli
Einstein or Newton. The other idiots did nothing to further our understanding of the universe.
I'm not going to say different types of genius are any more or less important than the others, but I do think artistic genius is very important and valid. Artistic genius is important because it makes life much more enjoyable.
Furthering our understanding of reality is an extremely important pursuit. But isn't enjoying life just as important? If life is not fun or pleasurable, what's the point? What point does greater intellectual understanding have if you're not enjoying yourself?
I'm not saying there aren't pleasures outside of art (not to mention the conforts and pleasures we have because of scientific understanding: air conditioning, cars,computers, audio/video equipment, medical advances...etc....), but art brings a huge amount of pleasure to people.
Doesn?t music, stories or visual art move you (and movies being a combination of these) ? Life would be much less enjoyable if there weren't great songs to listen too. Some of the most intense moments of pleasure I've had have been when listening to a song I love (of course sex too, but I'll often do that to music....double the pleasure.....)
You may think certain pursuits are more important or demanding of genius than others. That's your right and completely valid, but I think you're going overboard in thinking that the others listed are idiots.
Anyone can study physics and learn a lot. Few can create new concepts and make large strides in the understanding of the univers. Art is exactly the same. Anyone can learn an instrument or how to write music. Few can create truly great timeless music that is meaningfull and moves people. Great art demands genius just as much as great science. They're just different.