Food. Clothing. Shelter. The three essentials to sustain human life.
Compassion. Empathy. Sacrifice. The three essentials to sustain human society.
The former is utilitarian, pragmatic, imminent. The latter is sustaining, foundational, farsighted.
Humans are social animals. We need one another. Because of our big brains (apologies to Kurt Vonnegut) we are born as the most helpless of all species. A full third of our lives is spent on development. That requires a long term commitment by others to our self. A long term commitment by others. That’s not just Mom and Dad, but a whole structure of mores, customs, rules and laws. Culture. A commonality that makes a cohesive society upon which generations can grow, prosper, renew.
The arts are a pillar of that commonality. The arts are experienced, critiqued, and affirmed collectively. And yet, paradoxically, they are an expression of individuality. In times of great distress, when we are insecure, threatened and overwhelmed, we seek commonality. This is the great function of arts during times of deep societal stress. One image can sway a nation. One poem can become an anthem. One song can lift the spirits of the entire world.
