This quote suggests that art not only replicates or mirrors the physical world and human life, but also has the capacity to fill in the gaps left by nature. This could mean either enhancing what is already there by adding beauty, depth, or complexity, or creating something entirely new that nature itself could not produce.
Art, in this context, is not limited to visual art. It encompasses all forms of human creative expression, including literature, music, dance, theater, and more. It’s the way humans interpret, process, and add to the world around them.
In terms of deficiencies, Aristotle might be referring to the limitations of the natural world, such as its transience and its often chaotic, random, and imperfect nature. Art can immortalize a fleeting moment, bring order to chaos, and create idealized versions of reality. It can also express complex emotions, thoughts, and ideas that might not be easily communicated or understood otherwise.
Applying this concept to today’s world, we can see how art continues to imitate and complete nature. For instance, in the realm of technology, virtual reality imitates real-life experiences and at the same time, transcends natural limitations by creating experiences that are impossible in the physical world.
In terms of personal development, this quote might inspire us to use our own creativity not just to reflect our reality, but also to enhance it. We can strive to add beauty, meaning, and complexity to our lives, and to express our unique perceptions and experiences in a way that enriches the world around us. We can also use art to confront and deal with our emotions and experiences, to understand ourselves and others better, and to communicate in ways that go beyond ordinary conversation.
So, in essence, this quote is a call to not just passively observe and replicate the world, but to actively engage with it, contribute to it, and transform it through our creativity.
