Amusement Art vs Magic Art

[Angury]

The British philosopher R.G. Collingwood once made a distinction between the types of art that we enjoy, defining them as 'Amusement Art' and 'Magic Art.'

 

Amusement Art is described as art that we use as a type of escapism, a distraction from our day-to-day lives. Magic Art, on the other hand, has the ability to transform our lives and the way we see the world around us.

 

I can see where this division comes from and have read several books that have changed my life. But I would argue that there are some pieces of work which you can use both as a distraction from the real world, and also change the way you see the world around you. For example, as a fantasy fan I read a lot of fantasy series for fun and as a way to alleviate stress, but there are some series that have stuck with me years down the line and changed the way I think, speak and act. Likewise, I have gotten into many discussions with people who believe that fantasy books are 'just for kids' and that there is little you can learn from them. I would argue that these two types of Art aren't mutually exclusive.

 

I would be curious to hear other peoples thoughts and was also wondering what books have changed peoples lives. For me (in no particular order):

 

- Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

This novel stimulated my interest in Forensic Psychiatry and the idea that people who have committed horrendous crimes have their own emotions to battle with and deserve help just like everyone else. Sounds obvious, but I think we live in a very blaming culture and dehumanise criminals in our society.

 

- In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust

I haven't even finished this series yet, but the deep insights that you get from narrator made me see human life from a different lens. These little obsessive thoughts and mannerisms that we all have, and the irrational thoughts that trail all of our minds are put to the forefront in this series. It just allowed me to take a step back and appreciate that we all suffer from irrational and at times disturbing emotions throughout our lives.

 

- Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

As someone working in science and healthcare I found this story to have some very deep and dark lessons. I felt there were some underlying lessons that are particularly relevant in todays society where we are very much obsessed with science and the idea that we can do whatever we want. The story highlights the dangers and the need for humility and self-reflection when going down a scientific path. I have become more mindful and questioning in my career since reading this book.

 

 

These are just three examples, I'd love to hear everyone elses.

Edited October 29, 2016 by Angury