Do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it?

Lady J · Post by **Lady J** » Fri Jan 06, 2012 7:01 pm

Washington, DC Metro Station on a cold January morning in 2007. The man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time approx. 2 thousand people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After 3 minutes a middle aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried to meet his schedule.

4 minutes later:

The violinist received his first dollar: a woman threw the money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.

6 minutes:

A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.

10 minutes:

A 3-year old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. Every parent, without exception, forced their children to move on quickly.

45 minutes:

The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.

1 hour:

He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition...

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars... Two days before, Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.

This is a true story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities.

The questions raised: in a commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?

One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this: If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made...How many other things are we missing? :-3

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Fri Jan 06, 2012 7:17 pm

It's a beautiful thought, but hardly realistic. A prize rose would have been trampled in that same corridor. Now, if they had placed the violinist on the train, where the people have made it to their temporary destination, I'm sure the appreciation would have been much, much greater.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 4:57 am

If the Washington metro station is anything like the London underground, they would have been people hurrying to somewhere with no other thought in their minds.

If they had laid out a banquet on finest linen they would have passed that by as well.

Post by **jones jones** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 5:07 am

Unfortunately most of us would be unable to recognise a violin virtuoso no matter where he or she were performing. Unlike in the pop music scene, there is little or no money to be made in classical music. Compare for instance the number of bums on seats at any piano or violin recital as opposed to say a Rihanna, Katy Perry or Adele concert.

Lets be honest ... money talks, always has and always will and I guess that most kids ain't gonna pay to listen to a symphony orchestra. Like you said, this guy was performing for free and he couldn't even get an audience.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 5:21 am

jones jones;1380557 wrote:

Like you said, this guy was performing for free and he couldn't even get an audience.

The point being neither would Rihanna..........in that situation

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 5:21 am

Many of those rushers-by might have recognized the beauty of the music, but simply couldn't stick around to enjoy it.

Snooz · Post by **Snooz** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 6:03 am

The choice of getting to work on time to keep a job in this economy versus listening to beautiful music wouldn't be a difficult decision. Add to that, they HAD to make the train or it would leave without them versus, say, a car park where people could come and go at their own discretion. I know I would have loved to hang around but not when I knew I had two minutes to make the train or I'd have to wait 20 minutes for another one.

I wish they could have done their little experiment somewhere else that wouldn't require losing a job. Know what I mean?

Post by **jones jones** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 6:20 am

Excellent point Snooze ... Imagine what your boss would have said:

Snooze: "...er sorry I'm late for work. There was this famous violinists at the station and I just had to listen to him."

Boss: "Is that so? Well now you can go back and listen to him all day cos your're fired!"

Gentle Brother · Post by **Gentle Brother** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 9:56 am

This is a BEAUTIFUL world! I can see myself in younger days in those who rushed by, but now I find myself stopping and marvelling at so many things.

Bird song; a young couple, head over heels in love, arm in arm; an elderly couple still holding hands after all those years; the happy laughter of children playing in the park; a baby's smile; a dandelion forcing its way through tarmac, determined to put up a flower; the petal of a rose...I could go on forever! There is so much beauty in the world, you just need to open your eyes to see it.

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 10:00 am

Bruv;1380556 wrote: If the Washington metro station is anything like the London underground, they would have been people hurrying to somewhere with no other thought in their minds.

If they had laid out a banquet on finest linen they would have passed that by as well. Oh come on.... be fair... If It was the London Underground, we'd at least stop off to rob him on route,

K.Snyder · Post by **K.Snyder** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 10:46 am

In a capitalist society(Washington DC no doubt) it's looked down upon to take up interest in the arts so it's not exactly easy to see an appreciation for music, dance, art, and literature etc...What follows is then a prejudice mindset against those that do not contribute to society on a monetary level and thus the violinist is looked at as merely attempting to scrape up money.

A sad day when people refuse to give a little to people without the mental or physical capacity to entertain the public leading to an obscure view of who's in need of a kind hand and who isn't. It's easier to ignore all of it is the insight I've gathered

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 11:03 am

K.Snyder;1380615 wrote: In a capitalist society(Washington DC no doubt) it's looked down upon to take up interest in the arts so it's not exactly easy to see an appreciation for music, dance, art, and literature etc..

That's crap, and what's truly sad is not only that you believe it, but that you try to pass it off as a general truth.

K.Snyder · Post by **K.Snyder** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 11:34 am

Accountable;1380616 wrote: That's crap, and what's truly sad is not only that you believe it, but that you try to pass it off as a general truth.I don't agree and your opinion is your opinion. You can continue to vote for capitalist pigs that have only an interest in themselves because I refuse to, that's what's sad

Snooz · Post by **Snooz** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 11:52 am

Washington D.C. Museums - MuseumSpot.com

Washington, DC Concerts - Upcoming music events and reviews on washingtonpost.com

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

The United States Botanic Garden

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 3:31 pm

K.Snyder;1380619 wrote: I don't agree and your opinion is your opinion. You can continue to vote for capitalist pigs that have only an interest in themselves because I refuse to, that's what's sad
The part I quoted was nothing about capitalism or voting.

K.Snyder · Post by **K.Snyder** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 7:07 pm

SnoozeAgain;1380622 wrote: Washington D.C. Museums - MuseumSpot.com

Washington, DC Concerts - Upcoming music events and reviews on washingtonpost.com

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

The United States Botanic Garden

Accountable;1380639 wrote: The part I quoted was nothing about capitalism or voting.

Viewing something based on symbolism and appreciating it are two different things. How else can either of you explain "He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition...

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars... Two days before, Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100"?

I have an explanation, you two have a xenophobic view of socialism

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 7:37 pm

:yh_rotfl :yh_rotfl Stay off your meds, Snyder. I like you better this way.

Snooz · Post by **Snooz** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 8:25 pm

I have an explanation, you two have a xenophobic view of socialism

He might be right. I don't know what that means though, so I can't say for sure.

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 8:34 pm

SnoozeAgain;1380652 wrote: He might be right. I don't know what that means though, so I can't say for sure.I had to look it up. It means we're afraid of new stuff.

Lady J · Post by **Lady J** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 8:56 pm

K.Snyder;1380619 wrote: I don't agree and your opinion is your opinion. You can continue to vote for capitalist pigs that have only an interest in themselves because I refuse to, that's what's sad

Kevin...this thread has nothing to do with your view of "voting for capitalist pigs" It has to do with stopping to take the time to enjoy something....anything in your life that enriches it. If you are going to drag my thread down then leave.

Lady J

Lady J · Post by **Lady J** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 8:58 pm

SnoozeAgain;1380622 wrote: Washington D.C. Museums - MuseumSpot.com

Washington, DC Concerts - Upcoming music events and reviews on washingtonpost.com

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

The United States Botanic Garden

Thank You Snooze.....:-6

Snooz · Post by **Snooz** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 9:01 pm

I think he could have left off "xeno" since he was specifically referring to socialism. I'm not sure how my list of cultural events in the DC area helped him diagnose me though. He's a pretty smart guy!

Snooz · Post by **Snooz** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 9:02 pm

Lady J;1380660 wrote: Thank You Snooze.....:-6

My pleasure. I've known several people that have gone to DC just to visit all the wonderful museums and monuments.

koan · Post by **koan** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 9:32 pm

In Vancouver, the buskers in the skytrain stations have to audition because they are not only coveted, but lucrative locations. Our buskers are greatly appreciated compared to the average street corner. What you also have to consider is: there are a lot of talented musicians and singers in the world, some of them don't even know how great they are. We all want to make a living and many of us want to give to others but we can only give so much. If you work somewhere where just getting to work means you pass dozens of homeless people, buskers, artists, or other people of need or interest, you can't let yourself give time and attention to them every day or it will take away from your own needs.

On the other hand, I took my daughter out one day when she was four and let her stop and dance her little interpretive style at every busker we encountered. They made lyrics up to include her in their song in some places. Not everyone could stop to enjoy the music but every person who saw her enjoyed how wonderful the music was through seeing someone who had the time to enjoy it. I'd say condemn and judge less. Find the time to spread the joy more.

Lady J · Post by **Lady J** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 9:33 pm

Here is the video

Joshua Bell "Stop and Hear the Music" by the Washington Post - YouTube

You will notice there are a few people who stop and listen.....

Lady J · Post by **Lady J** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 9:43 pm

"Perception requires attention, the people in the station were not paying attention. If one ignores a beautiful sunset, because they've lost their car keys, then, it is lost to that person. Josh Bell cannot be heard through the thoughts of people who are on scheduled time, nor can the greatest music penetrate a heart torn between life and death, while trying to navigate the crowd of people who don't even care about personal struggles of those around them.

It is a good and telling story about what happens, how we can pass by the most beautiful things, nevertheless, it tells also how we can think that beauty can be a crowd stopper, when it cannot. A crowd that does not want to be stopped, will not. People bent on getting to the next place; to the next time; to the next relationship cannot be penetrated by the beauty around them. Music and art abound in every area, and go mostly unnoticed, like the snapdragons along the sidewalk.

Can this be remedied? Should it be remedied? Can we ask Josh Bell about how many beautiful things people were wearing, or talking about while he was rapt in his music? Beauty and appreciation of it is a difficult thing to measure and therefore most difficult to criticize.

One must assume that the center of a hive is the most beautiful thing in the world, since beauty is in the "eye" of the "bee-holder.""

I quote this from Raven on another site I manage....I think he put it very well.

Lady J

koan · Post by **koan** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 9:48 pm

"perception requires attention" is an absurd statement. What you are concerned with is not that people are perceiving. They do whether they want to or not. What you are really saying is that they are not perceiving what you want them to. That's kinda your problem and not theirs. Unless you think you're better than them.

Lady J · Post by **Lady J** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 10:50 pm

koan;1380667 wrote: "perception requires attention" is an absurd statement. What you are concerned with is not that people are perceiving. They do whether they want to or not. What you are really saying is that they are not perceiving what you want them to. That's kinda your problem and not theirs. Unless you think you're better than them.

Ya know Koan....it is not an absurd statement. You are taking a sample of what I have put up and trying to make an argument out of it. Why? If you had read the entire post you would see that it reads they do what they need to do. And as I stated and quoted these are not my words....not my thoughts. Get a grip.....I am not looking for anyone to perceive my images or thoughts. Go pick a fight somewhere else....and don't tell me what I am saying for apparently you are clueless....I have no problems but it sounds like you do. I am no better then most....

Lady J

koan · Post by **koan** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 11:34 pm

I'm telling you what your words mean in common language. Have you read "On Beauty And Being Just" by Elaine Scarry? She argued your exact point and was only lightly exempted from criticism because they didn't want to be mean.

It's a really self indulgent argument.

Clodhopper · Post by **Clodhopper** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 3:44 am

This is a BEAUTIFUL world! I can see myself in younger days in those who rushed by, but now I find myself stopping and marvelling at so many things.

Bird song; a young couple, head over heels in love, arm in arm; an elderly couple still holding hands after all those years; the happy laughter of children playing in the park; a baby's smile; a dandelion forcing its way through tarmac, determined to put up a flower; the petal of a rose...I could go on forever! There is so much beauty in the world, you just need to open your eyes to see it.

Well said, sir!

Snooz · Post by **Snooz** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 6:23 am

I like to think I'm one of those people that stops to admire something beautiful... I've picked up fallen leaves of an unusual color, interesting rocks, spoken to myself how beautiful the full moon looks... and if I'm around someone else when I do so, I usually get strange looks. :wah:

K.Snyder · Post by **K.Snyder** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 10:27 am

Lady J;1380659 wrote: Kevin...this thread has nothing to do with your view of "voting for capitalist pigs" It has to do with stopping to take the time to enjoy something....anything in your life that enriches it. If you are going to drag my thread down then leave.

Lady JWould you not agree that our nation eats too much fast food? Why? Because no one has the time to make a meal anymore...

Everything is centered around convenience and money which are not mutually exclusive.

By the way, "If you are going to drag my thread down then leave" is code for "Agree with my point of view then leave". OOOO OOOO What's next?... Perhaps global warming...OOOOO OOOOO Whales!!!!...No? I know, I know...Polar bears!!!!!! No?

K.Snyder · Post by **K.Snyder** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 10:37 am

SnoozeAgain;1380661 wrote: I think he could have left off "xeno" since he was specifically referring to socialism. I'm not sure how my list of cultural events in the DC area helped him diagnose me though. He's a pretty smart guy!

That which is "foreign or strange" is meant to be contextualized by default not for one's ego to use it as a muppet for their own personal gratification

Post by **jones jones** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 10:47 am

Inevitable of course that The Chosen comes in here ...

Koan ... "Find the time to spread the joy more." Please let your daughter dance more too.

Kev ... Only you will know what this means: "That which is "foreign or strange" is meant to be contextualized by default not for one's ego to use it as a muppet for their own personal gratification."

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 10:59 am

K.Snyder;1380694 wrote: That which is "foreign or strange" is meant to be contextualized by default not for one's ego to use it as a muppet for their own personal gratification

For their own personal gratification, use one's muppet ego to be contextualized by default.

Is that which is foreign, strange, or meant to be.

Transcribed by Andre Previn (The Brits will know what I mean)

Snooz · Post by **Snooz** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 11:04 am

My own personal gratification usually requires a couple of AA batteries.

Just keepin' things classy here.

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 11:37 am

Bruv;1380698 wrote: For their own personal gratification, use one's muppet ego to be contextualized by default.

Is that which is foreign, strange, or meant to be.

Transcribed by Andre Previn (The Brits will know what I mean):yh_cry That's beautiful!

koan · Post by **koan** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 12:04 pm

If a person is absorbed in fixing a clock, meticulously cleaning and oiling, making minute adjustments and another person walks up next to them and says "wow, look at that sunset!" and the clock maker waves that person away with a brisk gesture... was the clock maker wrong for not seeing the sunset and caring or would the other person be wrong for not seeing how beautiful the inner workings of a clock are?

Post by **jones jones** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 12:09 pm

koan;1380718 wrote: If a person is absorbed in fixing a clock, meticulously cleaning and oiling, making minute adjustments and another person walks up next to them and says "wow, look at that sunset!" and the clock maker waves that person away with a brisk gesture... was the clock maker wrong for not seeing the sunset and caring or would the other person be wrong for not seeing how beautiful the inner workings of a clock are?

That is a philosophical thought experiment, like ...

"If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?"

Snooz · Post by **Snooz** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 12:20 pm

I have no opinion, I'm a xenophobic muppet socialist. Or something.

koan · Post by **koan** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 12:27 pm

It's not philosophical at all. It's an entirely practical and useful scenario. The reason it's not philosophical is because it happens all the time, on a daily basis, to many people, constantly.

I was able to construct the example because I am quite often busy doing things and dislike the interruption of what I'm doing because somebody else thinks I should be stood there admiring something like a sunset that can be seen when I'm not busy doing something some other day. Sunsets happen all the time. Some are more beautiful than others but the chance of seeing a beautiful sunset again is highly probable. What really happens is that the person demanding my attention doesn't see the beauty of what I'm trying to do and is insulted when I don't care about something they have declared to be of more value.

I try not to judge their value system but, in return, I insist that everyone has a value system of their own. Insisting that others are flawed because they don't share your perception is a rather bold position.

I also suspect there is some spiritual materialism at work.

K.Snyder · Post by **K.Snyder** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 12:41 pm

Bruv;1380698 wrote: For their own personal gratification, use one's muppet ego to be contextualized by default.

Is that which is foreign, strange, or meant to be.

Transcribed by Andre Previn (The Brits will know what I mean)
When everyone's finished crying and moaning about not getting their way...:yh_bigsmi

K.Snyder · Post by **K.Snyder** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 12:46 pm

SnoozeAgain;1380723 wrote: I have no opinion, I'm a xenophobic muppet socialist. Or something.

I never said you were a socialist

koan · Post by **koan** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 2:07 pm

I'm divesting myself of this thread. Hope y'all see a cute little birdie today. Just don't be offended if I don't happen to think it's particularly cute.