There is no slave but the creature that wills against its Creator.
George MacdonaldRead
Like our attitude to love, truth and goodness, we seem to be confident about knowing what beauty is - certain, even dogmatic - until we think hard about the idea, whereupon all confidence flies away.
Interpretation
Our understanding of beauty is often superficial, and deeper contemplation can reveal uncertainty.
This quote by Charles Jencks emphasizes that while we may initially feel confident in our perceptions of beauty, much like our views on love, truth, and goodness, a deeper reflection can lead to doubt and a realization that our understanding is not as solid as we think. It suggests that beauty is subjective and complex, and challenges us to question our assumptions about it.
In practice
This quote could be used in a lecture on aesthetics to discuss the nature of beauty.
There is no slave but the creature that wills against its Creator.
Every creature is a glittering, glistening mirror of Divinity.
There are many sham diamonds in this life which pass for real, and vice versa.
Believing in the good of humanity is a revolutionary act - it means that we don't need all those managers and CEO's, kings and generals. That we can trust people to govern themselves and make their own decisions.
God comes into the very midst of evil and of death, and judges the evil in us and in the world. And by judging us, he cleanses and sanctifies us, comes to us with his grace and love. He makes us happy as only children can be happy.
Every word and every deed, every thought and every gesture, even the simple act of paying attention can be a gift and therefore an echo of God’s life in us.
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