Chapter 6: The Esthetic Vacuum of Our Age Chapter 6 is basically a reprise of Chapter 5, with more shrill dismay over the decline of Romanticism, as it's abandoned by high culture and descends into mass media.
Since the word 'esthethic' occurs in the title, one might have expected the practice of that "science of esthetics" to which Rand once referred, or at least some indication that esthetic judgment was one operation, while philosophic judgment was another. But alas, it would not be so. Nothing more here than a spirited rant against "witch doctors" and such. BTW - there was a fascinating reference to Rod Serling back in Chapter 5, as one of those "remnants of Romanticism that still may be found in the popular media - but in such a mangled, disfigured form that they achieve the opposite of Romanticism's original purpose" Remember that episode of "Twilight Zone" where a young woman's face is wrapped in bandages while a team of plastic surgeons attempt to improve her appearance -- and when the bandages come off, the team recoils in despair, because she still looks like a beautiful young woman, instead of the monstrous. pig-like faces of her doctors. I suppose Rand thought this story was mangled because it's not really clear whether this was intended as an attack on conformity or a celebration of cultural diversity. Nobody (but Rand) is writing the great Romantic literature anymore! But why would a talented writer try that, when more wealth and fame can be achieved with a different kind of work? (and Rand's philosophy doesn't give much support to any kind of self sacrifice) And what about the "esthetic vacuum of our age" ? Is it really all that bad compared to 120 years ago? Do we have anyone comparable with Brahms, Bruckner, SiDebussy -- or Rodin, Degas, Eakins, Sargent? Actually, quite a long list of impressive composers, painters, and sculptors can be made from that era. And who have we got? Philip Glass ? Jasper Johns ? Maybe she does have a point. ____________________________________________________________ Click here to save on car rentals. http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2231/fc/BLSrjnxVrCjczWJCNTQpwWEKGJCIU7 T2KPskGFay0hPr9NJKoQRQO6KQ4oQ/
