The Utility of Art

[Ilya Shambat]

There are many people who justify an anti-artistic stance by saying
that the modern world, or America, does not have time for the arts.
This argument is completely bogus. If America has the time for right-
wing talk shows, for political correctness, for tele-evangelists and
for psychiatry, then it most certainly has the time for the arts,
which take less resources to create than the preceding and demand less
time from the audience to view.

Arts also happens to be a positive influence on society. The same
needs that people fulfil through drugs and alcohol, can be fulfilled
in a much more wholesome nature through art. Unlike things such as
drugs, art does not destroy the brain; and unlike things such as SUVs
it does not pollute the environment. With the exception of a few huge
sculptures, the resources expended on producing art are minimal;
whereas utility realized can in many cases be exceptionally high.

Art gives expression to what people feel and helps them to understand
themselves and be healthy emotionally. Art gives people an experience
of beauty that shows what is possible and that vastly enriches
people's lives. Art becomes a flower of civilization that lasts long
after the present era is over and by which civilizations become known.
Friedrich Schiller said that art possesses the beauty of nature but
none of its cruelty. This makes art a valuable addition to any
civilization and a valuable addition to any people's lives.

So if America has the time for - right-wing talk shows, political
correctness, psychiatry and tele-evangelists - then it most certainly
has the time for a pursuit that takes minimal resources to create and
realizes vast utility to the viewer. The more art is produced and
viewed, the less is the need for much more expensive things such as
drug addiction treatment and psychotropic medication. And the more the
civilization is beautified to make it the best place that it can be.