by
Ayn Rand
9
Literature as an Art Form
0
terms
2
notes
10
In regard to precision of language, I think I myself am the best writer today.
go off queen
In regard to precision of language, I think I myself am the best writer today.
go off queen
13
The purpose of all art is the objectification of values. The fundamental motive of a writer—by the implication of the activity, whether he knows it consciously or not—is to objectify his values, his view of what is important in life. A man reads a novel for the same reason: to see a presentation of reality slanted according to a certain code of values (with which he may then agree or disagree).
(Do not be misled by the fact that many artists present depravity and ugliness: those are their values. If an artist thinks that life is depravity, he will do nothing but studies of sewers.)
To objectify values is to make them real by presenting them in concrete form.
For instance, to say “I think courage is good” is not to objectify a value. To present a man who acts bravely, is.
Why is it important to objectify values?
Human values are abstractions. Before they can become real to or convince anyone, the concretes have to be given.
In this sense, every writer is a moral philosopher.
kinda aligns with something i've been thinking about re: the importance of fiction
The purpose of all art is the objectification of values. The fundamental motive of a writer—by the implication of the activity, whether he knows it consciously or not—is to objectify his values, his view of what is important in life. A man reads a novel for the same reason: to see a presentation of reality slanted according to a certain code of values (with which he may then agree or disagree).
(Do not be misled by the fact that many artists present depravity and ugliness: those are their values. If an artist thinks that life is depravity, he will do nothing but studies of sewers.)
To objectify values is to make them real by presenting them in concrete form.
For instance, to say “I think courage is good” is not to objectify a value. To present a man who acts bravely, is.
Why is it important to objectify values?
Human values are abstractions. Before they can become real to or convince anyone, the concretes have to be given.
In this sense, every writer is a moral philosopher.
kinda aligns with something i've been thinking about re: the importance of fiction