In today's world of advanced science and technology, we still greatly value our artists such as musicians, painters and writers. What can arts tell us about life that science and technology cannot?
Today, when technological and scientific advancements are calling
the shots, art - in its various manifestations - continues to fascinate humans,
by virtue of its ability to expose the human mind to the vast expanse of
emotions and creativity.
To start with, various art forms have rarely failed to intrigue
and influence people, despite innumerable feats brought forth by confluence of technology and science, since they help illustrate expressible and
inexpressible feelings towards others and the surroundings. Be it a symphony, a
melody, a book, a drama or a painting, everything and every form is deeply
embedded with either anger, sorrows and melancholy, or joy, humor and
compassion. One wonders, if these renditions / presentations had not been there,
humans would have been leading a robotic lifestyle, that sans tenderness and
warmth, and would be apathetic.
Similarly, art is a formidable tool of not only acting as a
repository of traditions, culture and ways of life, to name a few but also
perpetuating forward to the next generations. Every community that
populates this planet has stored and accumulated wisdom, ethics and ethos over
several eons as scriptures, writings, musical compositions, a treasure of
paintings and statues, and so on, and made it possible for the upcoming
generations to derive knowledge to survive challenges and threats posed by
changing times. An erudite study carried out by Professor Ashish Bhayana, M.D.
University of Toronto, concluded that it is the art which has inspired humans
to think creatively and use their imagination in the form of science and
technology to find solutions in various realms.
Overall, undeniably, I strongly feel that humans are humans because of their ability to elucidate themselves artistically, a trait that can never be realised and fostered by science and technology, come what may.
