Only yawns can respond to the old theory, revived from time to time in a new guise, according to which great art is that which limits itself to accurately portraying reality. If that were the case, it would suffice to remain faithful, and the art that portrayed the most stupid, repulsive, banal, or uninteresting scene would be great. In fact, the opposite effect is achieved if one dwells minutely on something that should be disregarded. To confirm this, one only has to imagine how ridiculous a piece of music would be in which the composer strove to perfectly replicate certain “sounds of nature.” Great art is only that which, using whatever medium it may, elevates those who come into contact with it, or at least holds out that possibility; the rest is nonsense.
The Study of What Has Come to Be Known…
The study of what has come to be known as esotericism is frustrating for countless reasons. The first of these is the number of charlatans and fraudsters who swarm in this field. Then there is the tedious universe that surrounds it. But above all, it is because esotericism does not deliver what it promises that it becomes more frustrating. At least, the student does not find fulfillment in it, and only discovers this after much study, and often after something worse. However, it would be untrue to classify this as a vain study. “Esotericism” has appropriated a tradition that, without it, would have been almost forgotten. But beyond that: after thousands of pages, one realizes that something has been learned. And even if, during the process, such learning has not been evident, the study itself, perhaps using the pages as intermediaries or as inspiration, gives the final impression of having revealed something of value.
The Fact That, in the West, Contact With…
The fact that, in the West, contact with these One Thousand and One Nights almost always occurs through children’s adaptations in various forms somewhat obscures the literary importance of this work, which transcended all imaginable barriers and permeated popular culture. Very few ever read it in its entirety, despite its influence being frequently suggested. The truth is that, like Greek mythology, this work has become mandatory reading for students of literature. Even if the stories had no value, knowing them is to witness the power of a narrative that can transcend time and cultural barriers as if they were nothing, becoming part of our common human heritage. No more needs to be said.
Cinema, Music, and Theater, Compared…
Cinema, music, and theater, compared to the visual arts and literature, have the disadvantage of being contaminated by operators who consider themselves artists, but are not. This gives rise to a series of consequences that can only frustrate he who gave birth to the creation. It must be distressing for a composer to realize that it is possible to make a career as a virtuoso performing the works of others, and to be confronted with the scenario stripped of the facilities that the first option offers, if he chooses to concentrate on his own compositions. Even more distressing must be witnessing the recognition of music workers as artists. At least, from this anguish will come the certainty that his art can only be done alone, and for free. From now on, he will never confuse true with false motivation.