In the realm of human expression, art holds a unique place. It transcends the fleeting nature of politics and societal judgments. In this essay, part of The Times’s philosophy series, The Stone, Sonny Rollins explores the profound significance of art and its enduring impact on human existence.
When people discuss art, their questions often focus on origins, ownership, and authenticity. They wonder who first played a melody or who owns a particular style. These inquiries belong to a realm driven by politics and technology. However, such debates often lead nowhere. Rollins argues that technology, as described by Aldous Huxley, merely accelerates ignorance and lacks substance.
Art stands apart from these concerns. It is infinite, nourishing the immaterial soul and intuition. Rather than being limited by political constraints, art persists and echoes throughout time. It matters now, perhaps more than ever, because it defies the transient political veneer enveloping our world.
Art offers a form of wisdom that resonates across generations. Its recurring themes across lifetimes remind us that our lives are interconnected within a larger tapestry. Much like an astronomer acknowledges the vast unexplored universe, art inspires exploration of the unknown.
Music, while unique, shares this timeless quality. The notion that music lacks originality highlights the interconnectedness of all sounds. From the spiritual ‘om’ to ‘amen’, every note is part of a continuum. Musicians craft new arrangements, yet each creation stems from a shared foundation, as illustrated by the works of Claude Debussy and Johann Sebastian Bach.
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