Single Idea 8124

[catalogued under 21. Aesthetics / B. Nature of Art / 4. Art as Expression]

Full Idea

The highest feelings to which mankind has attained can only be transmitted from man to man by art.

Gist of Idea

The highest feelings of mankind can only be transmitted by art

Source

Leo Tolstoy (What is Art? [1898], Ch.17)

Book Reference

Tolstoy,Leo: 'What is Art? and Essays on Art', ed/tr. Maude,A [OUP 1975], p.251


A Reaction

We are much more nervous these days of talking about 'highest' feelings. Tolstoy obviously considers religion to be an ingredient of the highest feelings, but that prevents us from judging them purely as feelings. Music is the place to rank feelings.