01-28-2026, 05:50 AM
The Newton example was to illustrate that the Cliffs notes of what a great person did is enough in the case of science. However, it can be very instructive to read how a particular proof was derived. The thought process followed can train our own hypothesis formation skills. It’s just that we don’t do that.
The consumption of art can be for its instructional “how to” value, for its simple enjoyment, for what it teaches us about a former time, or because it establishes a common cultural grammar, like history. There is no conversation without the past or past traditions informing it.
The first I argue has no merit when looking at something done hundreds of years ago.
The second I park.
The third is valid, though of interest only to a minority
The fourth is entirely valid, but for that we don’t need any more than the Cliffs notes
Let us return to the second. This is what I am not certain about. I enjoy reading Shakespeare, for the poetry of his plays. Drama as poetry. But he is a much diminished influence as a result
The consumption of art can be for its instructional “how to” value, for its simple enjoyment, for what it teaches us about a former time, or because it establishes a common cultural grammar, like history. There is no conversation without the past or past traditions informing it.
The first I argue has no merit when looking at something done hundreds of years ago.
The second I park.
The third is valid, though of interest only to a minority
The fourth is entirely valid, but for that we don’t need any more than the Cliffs notes
Let us return to the second. This is what I am not certain about. I enjoy reading Shakespeare, for the poetry of his plays. Drama as poetry. But he is a much diminished influence as a result