This quote, “Art is an attempt to understand, yielding pleasure in the attempt whether or not we understand,” speaks to the idea that art is a journey of exploration and discovery. It implies that the process of creating or appreciating art is an endeavor to comprehend something – be it life, emotions, experiences or even abstract concepts. The beauty of this process lies in its ability to provide satisfaction and joy nonetheless of whether we ultimately grasp what was intended or not.
The phrase “yielding pleasure in the attempt” suggests that there’s a sense of fulfillment derived from simply engaging with art. This can be interpreted as Breault’s belief in valuing the journey over the destination – highlighting how intrinsic enjoyment can come from trying to interpret a piece of artwork even if its true meaning remains elusive.
In today’s world, this quote could serve as a reminder for us to appreciate and enjoy our personal journeys towards understanding complex issues around us. In our fast-paced society where instant gratification often takes precedence, we tend to overlook the value inherent in processes and focus solely on outcomes.
In terms of personal advancement, this concept could encourage individuals to embrace their unique paths towards growth without getting fixated on achieving pre-defined goals. Just like how one might find pleasure when trying but failing to fully understand an artwork, individuals should also learn to derive joy from their attempts at self-improvement even if they do not always meet their expectations.
furthermore, it underscores that there are multiple interpretations and perspectives for every situation just like artworks; hence one does not need absolute understanding or ‘correct’ interpretation for thankfulness. This fosters openness towards different viewpoints which contributes substantially towards personal growth.