The above photo, taken in the theater inside the Weatherspoon Art Museum, is a picture of Ralph Waldo Emerson. At the Al-Hadid talk at the Weatherspoon, guest lecturer Gregory Volk made connections between Al-Hadid's art and the world view of Ralph Waldo Emerson. Volk mentioned transcendentalism, a philosophical movement that was developed in the 1830's. At the core of the philosphy is the belief that man and nature are both inherently good. Emerson and his fellow transcendentalists were of the conviction that people were at their best and most spiritual when "self-reliant". Organized religion, institutions and politics could detract from the purity of individuals. Emmerson believed that nature was the most direct path to experiencing the presence of God and that to appreciate nature one must be able to feel it in one's senses.* As the above photo aludes, the audience was captivated.
As we enter Holy Week and Passover, with spring knocking on our door, nature in Greensboro is about to reach peak beauty. Regardless of what religion you practice, or even if you do not, we encourage you to find some green space and experience the spiruality of being one with the earth. It is a precious resource.
Nice reflection..in both senses.
Posted by: Jane Mitchell | Sunday, March 24, 2013 at 08:27 PM