Art allows us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time. - Thomas Merton
Art allows us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time. - Thomas Merton
This quote by Thomas Merton encapsulates the paradox of art's transformative power. When he says that "art allows us to find ourselves," he highlights how engaging with art can lead us to deeper self-awareness and understanding of our emotions, beliefs, and experiences. It serves as a mirror that reflects our inner thoughts and identities. On the other hand, the phrase "and lose ourselves at the same time" suggests that art also provides an escape from our everyday realities. Through immersion in art, whether as creators or viewers, we can transcend our individual concerns and experience a sense of unity with something larger—be it cultural, emotional, or spiritual. This duality emphasizes art's ability to both ground us in our personal truths while simultaneously liberating us from them, fostering a profound connection to the world around us.