Very interesting concluding point about the anti-aestheticism of our contemporary elites. Goes to show that, no matter how salient they may have been at the time, one cannot simply copy/paste critiques like Tolstoy's directly on to contemporary conditions.
Very interesting about Leo Tolstoy and his immersion in the 'ascetic egalitarian Christianity of Francis of Assisi' and at the same time his criticism of organized religion. Also his critique of the Russian and European elites and their maybe just decorative view of art. Also he seems to have had a universal view of art as related to 'transmitting universally comprehensible human feeling. A refreshing contrast to postmodernist views. Though I don't really understand postmodernism and I'm a bit wary of it.
I am agnostic, not religious, and I am wary of literalist organized religion. However I do find Virilio, a Christian, and some other thinking people with a non dogmatic religious background very insightful and human. Also refreshing.
This point about the anti-aestheticism of our contemporary elites with their focus on 'technological competition' not beauty is also very interesting. Is it a reflection of a reductionist neoliberal world view, functional and flat (which seems to be pervasive amongst elites)? I don't know as I'm old.
I do think the current emphasis on technology and the elevation of it a bit hollow and self satisfied. Also the icon smashing seems a bit flat and uninspired and performative. Not ground breaking.
Very interesting concluding point about the anti-aestheticism of our contemporary elites. Goes to show that, no matter how salient they may have been at the time, one cannot simply copy/paste critiques like Tolstoy's directly on to contemporary conditions.
I remember Art Deco, from the old neighborhood. He used to hang out with Al Fresco. I think he married Gloria Mundi ... or was it Dona Ferentes?
this piece made me think.
Very interesting about Leo Tolstoy and his immersion in the 'ascetic egalitarian Christianity of Francis of Assisi' and at the same time his criticism of organized religion. Also his critique of the Russian and European elites and their maybe just decorative view of art. Also he seems to have had a universal view of art as related to 'transmitting universally comprehensible human feeling. A refreshing contrast to postmodernist views. Though I don't really understand postmodernism and I'm a bit wary of it.
I am agnostic, not religious, and I am wary of literalist organized religion. However I do find Virilio, a Christian, and some other thinking people with a non dogmatic religious background very insightful and human. Also refreshing.
This point about the anti-aestheticism of our contemporary elites with their focus on 'technological competition' not beauty is also very interesting. Is it a reflection of a reductionist neoliberal world view, functional and flat (which seems to be pervasive amongst elites)? I don't know as I'm old.
I do think the current emphasis on technology and the elevation of it a bit hollow and self satisfied. Also the icon smashing seems a bit flat and uninspired and performative. Not ground breaking.