“The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.”
— Aristotle
Simplified Meaning:
Artists are not just trying to show us what things look like on the outside. They want us to understand the deeper meaning or feelings behind what they create. Think about a painting of a smiling person. It's not just about the smile we see on their face; it's also about capturing the joy, warmth, or even pain that might be behind that smile. For example, in history, Vincent van Gogh's painting "Starry Night" isn’t just a picture of the night sky. Through his swirling colors and intense brush strokes, he shows us the emotion and energy he felt looking at the sky. Someone can apply this idea to their life by remembering to look beyond the surface of things or people. If a friend says they are fine but seems sad, it's important to understand what they might really be feeling. By doing this, we connect with others on a deeper level and gain more meaningful insights into the world around us.