Fun Aesthetics: Illustrated Book

Author: Xu Deqing
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-07-01
Features: "Everyone loves beauty," as the saying goes, and this also implies that the pursuit of beauty accompanies a person throughout their life. At every stage of life, whether as an infant, teenager, young adult, middle-aged person, or elderly individual, there is a natural connection with aesthetics and the love for beauty. Moreover, a person's life and all their activities cannot be separated from beauty—be it in daily necessities like food, clothing, shelter, and transportation, or in work, study, social interactions, entertainment, marriage, and funeral rites, there is always a focus on and pursuit of beauty. Beyond this, the love for and pursuit of beauty are also quite important aspects of a person's life. Mr. Liang Qichao once pointed out in his essay "Art and Life": "I firmly believe that 'beauty' is an element of human life—or perhaps even one of the most important elements. If the component of 'beauty' is removed from the entirety of life, one might live uncomfortably, or even be unable to live at all." In this book, readers can learn about aesthetics from Plato's dialogues on aesthetics, from Kant's serious philosophical analysis and judgment on beauty and art, from the detailed descriptions of aesthetic psychology by some Western modern aestheticians, from the unique aesthetic activities of ancient Chinese literati, and from concrete aesthetic practices and experiences. As the saying goes, "Everyone loves beauty." Indeed, whether it is Chinese people or foreigners, modern people or ancient people, men or women, adults or children, or people who are physically and healthy or those who are disabled or ill, everyone loves and pursues beauty. Of course, loving beauty is one thing, while understanding and appreciating beauty is another. This book is a small volume that inspires us to think about many aesthetic theories and helps us understand aesthetic knowledge. It begins with an examination of the history of aesthetics, introducing humanity's exploration of aesthetics, then delves into discussions around aesthetic activities, and further expands into the objects and subjects of aesthetics. It describes aesthetic objects and psychological activities, introduces relevant aesthetic knowledge through simple and engaging stories, and showcases the charm of aesthetics.