Aristotle’s quote, “Art is identical with a state of capacity to make, involving a true course of reasoning,” examines the core essence of art and its creation. Here, he is asserting that art isn’t just about the final product one sees; it’s about the process, the capacity to create, and the reasoning behind it. The “state of capacity to make” refers to the potential and ability of an individual to create something. It’s about the skills, talent, and imagination that enable one to bring an idea or concept into existence.
The second part of the quote, “involving a true course of reasoning,” suggests that art also involves a thoughtful process. It’s not just about splashing colors on a canvas or randomly placing notes on a music sheet. It’s a deliberate act of creation, guided by a logical and thought-out plan or idea. It’s the artist’s ability to make decisions about their work, using their understanding and interpretation of the world, which gives art its depth and meaning.
In today’s world, this concept is applicable in various fields, not just in traditional arts. For instance, in business, entrepreneurs need the capacity to create (innovative ideas, strategies, products) and a logical course of reasoning (business plans, market analysis, understanding of consumer behavior) to succeed. In science, researchers need the same capacity to create (hypotheses, experiments, theories) and reasoning (data analysis, logical conclusions, critical thinking) to contribute to their field.
In terms of personal development, Aristotle’s idea encourages us to approach our lives as a work of art. It suggests that we should harness our capacity to create, to make changes and improvements in our lives. At the same time, we must also use reasoning to guide our actions and decisions. It pushes us to recognize that the art of living involves both creativity and logic, imagination and critical thinking. It’s not just about existing, but consciously creating the life we want to live.
