Finding Things Out
The building, designed by Fernando Arbós y Tremanti, was built at the beginning of the twentieth century in the Neo-Byzantine style. It was declared Bien de Interés Cultural in 1982 – @Jun2014.
“I have a friend who’s an artist and has sometimes taken a view which I don’t agree with very well. He’ll hold up a flower and say “look how beautiful it is,” and I’ll agree. Then he says “I as an artist can see how beautiful this is but you as a scientist take this all apart and it becomes a dull thing,” and I think that he’s kind of nutty. First of all, the beauty that he sees is available to other people and to me too, I believe. Although I may not be quite as refined aesthetically as he is … I can appreciate the beauty of a flower. At the same time, I see much more about the flower than he sees. I could imagine the cells in there, the complicated actions inside, which also have a beauty. I mean it’s not just beauty at this dimension, at one centimeter; there’s also beauty at smaller dimensions, the inner structure, also the processes. The fact that the colors in the flower evolved in order to attract insects to pollinate it is interesting; it means that insects can see the color. It adds a question: does this aesthetic sense also exist in the lower forms? Why is it aesthetic? All kinds of interesting questions which the science knowledge only adds to the excitement, the mystery and the awe of a flower. It only adds. I don’t understand how it subtracts.”
― Richard P. Feynman, The Pleasure of Finding Things Out
If you follow this blog, you may have noticed that I often share background information and details about the subjects of my photos, the photographic process, or sometimes simply interesting quotes and stories that resonate with me. I believe that adding this context enhances the overall experience rather than detracts from it. Additionally, I always learn something new during my research, and I find personal satisfaction in discovering new information.
Hmmm, well if Feynman just viewed the flower with the artist and stopped there the artist may feel different. However, the scientist then verbally dissects the flower taking the artist on a journey he may prefer not to take. Thus, the artist’s view that the scientist doesn’t see the ‘raw’ beauty, at least not in the way the artist does. That’s my humble opinion anyway.
I have some experience in this. Often, probably too often for Katherine, when we’re watching a movie I’ll begin to comment on the lighting or the soundtrack or, worst of all, “Do you recognize that actor? We say him in …” She just wants to watch the movie and is more plot oriented while I tend to dissect it a’ la Feynman.
Thanks for the comment. I always value engaging in discussions and sharing opinions.
I understand your point, Joe, and I agree with your perspective. However, in the example the quote provided, I don’t see it as an either-or situation. We can appreciate the raw beauty of the flower while also analyzing its makeup and functions. It’s possible to embrace both perspectives: I believe the analysis can be more passive (and not force views on anyone else), allowing the flower’s beauty to take center stage.
I can recall moments when I’ve been captivated by a stunning photograph, impressed by both the subject and the photographer’s skill. As someone who dabbles in photography, I often find myself contemplating the technical aspects of each image: time of day and location, camera positioning, lens choice, focal lengths, camera settings, and post-processing techniques. While exploring these details may enhance my understanding, I will always continue to admire the artistry involved.
It’s funny, my wife, Bonnie, will often ask about a lesser-known actor during a show or movie, “I’ve seen them before, what were they in?”
Ok, going to try a comment via Jetpack app. :)
Love the photo and treatment / development – seems to suit it perfectly.
Well that’s strange. Seemed to work, any browser I tried didn’t.
I’m sorry, Mark, but I don’t have a solution for the issue you’re experiencing. I have been using the wpDiscuz plugin for comments for several months without any problems, and I haven’t made any recent changes to the site setup or plugins. No one else has reported a similar issue, and I can leave a comment as a third party. I’ve also tried it with both the Safari and Brave browsers.
Thanks for the comment on the image.
It’s likely something to do with this ad blocker I am trying on my end and not playing nice with some things. Trying again to submit from my browser as I see the UBlockOrigin extension just released some bug updates. Maybe this will work?
Ah – Success! Sometimes the best strategy is to wait it out! :)
I’m relieved to find out it was the ad blocker, not my site, that was preventing some from commenting, even though they didn’t mention it. Glad you’re back! ;-)
First of all i love the image. Secondly, i like to feel I look at the physical beauty as well as the mystery of what is within the flower or mountain or loaf of bread. It’s all beauty to me.
I believe we agree about beauty and the appreciation of all that makes it what it is. I’m glad you like the image.