Somatic Marker Hypothesis
Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen.
— Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
A Feeling from out of this World!
Somatic Marker Hypothesis
Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen.
— Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
The titled responsion brings attention to Damasio's work on felt experience. Consciousness explained!
The poetics of felt experience is explored in these posts. Identified as Figures of Speech, the "figures" we are referring to are the intellectual giants of our past. This particular quote from Leonardo da Vinci makes us think about poetry as an expression of beauty. I will admit that not all poetry is beautiful, but it explores the emotive foundation of thought that lies within each of us. This is not to say that everyone can write poetry with the same impact and value to society. Should this hold you back? No!
Write, co-create. Disseminate.
Will was standing facing the Eclipse, but the moon didn't appear (from my geodesic coordinate, relative to the Eclipse) large enough to darken the sky and cast its transient shadow. Instead, the light was necessarily sufficient to maintain an imperceptible change and yet a noticeable drop in warmth on my skin. A feeling indeed, from out of this world. The uniqueness of this experience makes it memorable, yet so do the repeatable events we experience every day. Meaning is the differentiator; mnemonics tell the story.
Sticks and Stones
A blow with a word strikes deeper than a blow with a sword.
— Robert Burton (1577-1640)
The titled responsion is a direct juxtaposition of two sides of the story. What side are you on?
I once stood with a group waiting for a mid-day eclipse, taking care not to stare at the sun. There was very little to no perceived reduction in light during the eclipse. The feeling that I describe as being "out of this world!" was the reduction in warmth on my face without a drop of brightness; it was spooky! It felt like a cloud passing over, yet the brightness remained the same. Weird yet memorable, flashbulb-like.
It's an endearing sentiment of sorts. Is it an arrangement, though? What are you organizing when you sort out feelings? In this case, how do you sort out a compliment from another being?
Robert Burton's quote highlights the power of language and its ability to penetrate deeper and leave a more lasting impact than physical violence. This concept is often referred to as "sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me." However, in reality, words can be incredibly hurtful and damaging, and the effects of verbal abuse can linger long after the physical scars have healed.
From a philosophical perspective, language is not just a means of communication but a tool for shaping reality and creating our perceptions of the world. Words have the power to define and categorize, to build up or tear down, and to empower or disempower. Words can create conditions for oppression or liberation and have the ability to shape the way we think, feel, and act.
Therefore, it is essential to recognize the immense power that lies in our words and to use them wisely and responsibly. This means taking care to use respectful and inclusive language and avoiding harmful or hurtful language. It also means being mindful of our words' impact on others and taking responsibility for how we use language to shape our perceptions and the world around us.
Robert Burton's quote reminds us of the power of language and the impact that words can have on our lives. It is up to us to use language to promote empathy, understanding, and respect and to recognize the immense potential for good or harm in the words we choose to use.
The Eclipse Bends us Toward the Sun.
To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.
— Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)
I suppose the titled responsion is Continental, with origins from Classic Greece.
An eclipse is a phenomenon that can be seen as a metaphor for life. Just as the moon temporarily blocks the sun's light during an eclipse, we can sometimes feel like the events in our lives are blocking our own light and potential. However, like the sun, our inner light can never be wholly extinguished and always shines through in the end.
In this context, the quote by Oscar Wilde takes on new meaning. Living is not just existing but actively embracing and pursuing one's passions, dreams, and desires. It requires courage to step out of the shadows and into the light, just as the sun emerges from behind the moon during an eclipse. As Wilde suggests, the rarity of genuinely living makes life so precious and meaningful.
Therefore, like the sun's pull during an eclipse, we should allow ourselves to be drawn toward what gives us purpose and fulfillment. This way, we can live life to the fullest rather than just existing.
Spring forme, a New Beginning
I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.
— F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896-1940)
The titled responsion is referring a seasonal renewal of sorts.
The re-birth of Mother Earth from her slumber is a renewal of sorts; this Aesthetic is fundamental to the Ethology of study that we should all participate in as Stewards of this planet. No?
F. Scott Fitzgerald's quote speaks to the idea of new beginnings and the power of imagination. As spring brings new life and renewal, so too does the summer bring with it a sense of starting over and the possibility of limitless potential.
Imagination plays a key role in this process of renewal. It allows us to dream, envision a better future, and see ourselves in a new light. By tapping into our imagination, we can create a new narrative for our lives and set the stage for a fresh start.
However, it is essential to remember that new beginnings are not just about the external world but also our inner world. A new season, or a new chapter in our lives, can offer self-reflection and growth opportunities. We can use this time to re-evaluate our values, reassess our goals, and forge a new path.
The quote by F. Scott Fitzgerald reminds us of the transformative power of imagination and the promise of new beginnings. Just as spring and summer bring renewal to the world around us, they also offer the chance for us to begin again and to create a brighter future for ourselves.
Fictional Foray
My writing of fiction comes under a general heading of those teachers, critics, scholars who like to try their own hand once or twice in their lives.
— George Steiner (1929-2020).
In responsion, it saddens me that my collections of tropes, truisms, and philosophical musings would likely fill George Steiner "with bitterness and anger." At the core of Steiner's writing is a deep love of literature. This we share. Cleverness is, for me, in lieu of eliteness. Not a criticism, just an observation.
Writing fiction is often seen as a creative outlet for those passionate about the written word. Teachers, critics, and scholars who have honed their skills in other areas of writing may be drawn to fiction as a way to express their imagination and explore new perspectives.
Writing fiction is different from other forms of writing, as it allows for greater creative freedom and the opportunity to delve into the human experience uniquely and imaginatively. For these individuals, writing fiction may be seen as a way to expand their skills, challenge themselves, and push the boundaries of their own understanding.
It is not uncommon for people who have spent much of their careers in more structured forms of writing to want to try their hand at fiction. They may see it as a way to break free from the constraints of more analytical forms of writing and to explore new avenues of expression.
Writing fiction can be a valuable experience for anyone who wants to expand their writing skills and gain a deeper understanding of the human experience. Whether it's a one-time endeavour or a lifelong pursuit, writing fiction can be a rewarding and enriching experience for teachers, critics, scholars, and anyone else who has a love of the written word.
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Daniel Sanderson