Zhu Guangqian on Beauty

Author: Zhu Guangqian
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-09-01
Features: What is beauty? Beauty is not only in objects, nor only in the heart; it lies in the relationship between the heart and objects. But this relationship is not, as Kant and most people imagine, with objects as stimuli and the heart as perceptions; rather, it is the heart expressing its sentiments through the images of objects. There is no beauty that exists naturally or is easily found in the world; all beauty must be created by the heart. The world of aesthetic appreciation is purely an imaginative world, independent of utilitarian relationships. When creating or appreciating art, people move from the practical world of utilitarian relationships to the ideal world of realizing such relationships. The activity of art is "acting without fear for the sake of acting." I believe that whether one studies or pursues a career, they must adopt a "acting without ulterior motives" spirit, treating their academic pursuits or careers as works of art. They should seek only to satisfy ideals and interests, without being overly concerned with gains and losses, in order to achieve true success. Great achievements all stem from a broad vision and an open mind.