It seems as though we've collectively agreed that to love is to be ignorant, and that criticism is a display of intellect. If we accept something as it is, obviously we must not have thought hard enough about it. We must find flaws in everything because acceptance is resignation - blindness.
I've fallen prey to this malign mindset and I cannot take it any longer. If love is blindness then tear out my eyes because I do not want to be smart, I want to love, I want to be loved, I want to live. If all my "intelligent" eyes can do is see through things, then I do not want them.
Let the blood run from my empty sockets. Let my heart pump it out into the world until I can give no more and let me be glad that I have given everything and kept none for myself.
Intelligence is criticism and it is lonely and it is selfish.
Very perceptive, as always. However, I think that true love is in fact thinking very hard about someone, and uncovering all of their flaws, and loving them despite of them. So true love is actually a kind of intelligence. Also, more often than not, the flaws and imperfections in art or a person add to their greatness and our love to them, so maybe its a matter of using your intelligence positively or negatively, if that makes sense.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I understand what you're getting at. In my view though, actively seeking out imperfections is a form of self-indulgence, whereas experiencing and appreciating them would contribute to what you describe. I think there's a subtle distinction that mostly depends on intent.
ReplyDeleteYeah you're right its basically intent. You shouldn't go into things with the mindset of wanting to criticize them, moreso if it comes about there are flaws etc you can engage with them at that point. Also I feel your point in this post explains why alot of music and art criticism seems overly snobbish and pretentious
ReplyDeleteRight. because they're trying to prove something about themselves, not be faithful or appreciative of the artwork/music
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