The Beautiful has now its
teachers and preachers, and by some it is almost regarded in the
light of a religion. "The Beautiful is the Good"--"The Beautiful
is the True"--"The Beautiful is the priest of the Benevolent,"
are among their texts. It is believed that by the study of art
the tastes of the people may be improved; that by contemplating
objects of beauty their nature will become purified; and that by
being thereby withdrawn from sensual enjoyments, their character
will be refined and elevated.
But though such culture is calculated to be elevating and
purifying in a certain degree, we must not expect too much from
it. Grace is a sweetener and embellisher of life, and as such is
worthy of cultivation. Music, painting, dancing, and the fine
arts, are all sources of pleasure; and though they may not be
sensual, yet they are sensuous, and often nothing more. The
cultivation of a taste for beauty of form or colour, of sound or
attitude, has no necessary effect upon the cultivation of the mind
or the development of the character. The contemplation of fine
works of art will doubtless improve the taste, and excite
admiration; but a single noble action done in the sight of men
will more influence the mind, and stimulate the character to
imitation, than the sight of miles of statuary or acres of
pictures. For it is mind, soul, and heart--not taste or art--
that make men great.
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