An educational and cultural philosophy exploring the aesthetic structure of reality and human relations.
Religion: Aesthetic Realism
Founder: Eli Siegel
Current Leader: Ellen Reiss (Chair of Education)
Founded: 1941
Location: New York, United States
Website: aestheticrealism.org
Aesthetic Realism, founded in 1941 by American poet and critic Eli Siegel, is a philosophy that combines art, education, and psychology. Its core idea is that the most profound desire of every person is to like the world on an honest basis. This concept is articulated through three main principles: liking the world, the opposites, and the meaning of contempt.
Foundations of Aesthetic Realism
Siegel, who lived from 1902 to 1978, established Aesthetic Realism as a study with three divisions. Firstly, the philosophy postulates that man’s deepest desire is to like the world honestly. Secondly, it suggests that the only way to honestly like the world is to see it as the aesthetic oneness of opposites. Finally, it warns against the danger of contempt, which it defines as a false sense of importance derived from diminishing things not oneself.
Central Principles
- Liking the World: Aesthetic Realism holds that a person’s deepest desire is to find value and meaning in the world. This is not dependent on personal fortunes but on recognizing that reality is structured aesthetically, as shown through art. The philosophy posits that education in all forms should aim to foster a genuine appreciation of the world.
- The Opposites: At the heart of Aesthetic Realism is the idea that reality possesses an aesthetic structure of opposites. This concept is exemplified in various elements of science and art, where opposing forces like motion and rest, freedom and order, are seen as unified. The philosophy argues that understanding and resolving these opposites in oneself and in art can guide a good life.
- The Meaning of Contempt: The philosophy identifies contempt as a central danger to both individuals and society. Contempt, defined as the desire to lessen what is different from oneself, is seen as a significant cause of personal and societal problems, including racism and war. Aesthetic Realism posits that overcoming societal issues requires replacing contempt with good will.
Educational and Cultural Impact
Major Texts
Eli Siegel’s philosophical contributions include major texts such as “Self and World: An Explanation of Aesthetic Realism” and “Definitions and Comment: Being a Description of the World.” These works elaborate on the principles of Aesthetic Realism and apply them to various aspects of daily life and understanding the human mind.
Aesthetic Realism Foundation
Established in 1973, the Aesthetic Realism Foundation, located in SoHo, New York City, is a non-profit organization that serves as the primary institution for teaching Aesthetic Realism. It offers classes, workshops, and public seminars on various subjects, including poetry, anthropology, art, and music. Ellen Reiss, appointed by Siegel as the Chairman of Education, continues to propagate the teachings of Aesthetic Realism.
Aesthetic Realism Theatre Company
The Aesthetic Realism Theatre Company, comprising actors, singers, and musicians, performs across the United States. Their productions often highlight the connection between art, ethics, and everyday life, presenting dramatic readings of Siegel’s lectures and other artistic works.
Controversy and Criticism
Aesthetic Realism faced significant controversy, particularly in the 1980s, for its stance on homosexuality. The philosophy asserted that study of its principles could lead to a change from homosexuality to heterosexuality, a claim that was heavily criticized and led to widespread debates. In 1990, the Foundation ceased presentations and consultations on this subject.
The philosophy has also been labeled by some, including psychotherapist Steven Hassan, as a psychotherapy cult, stemming from the controversial aspects of its teachings and the devoted following it attracted. Nonetheless, Aesthetic Realism remains a significant and influential philosophy, offering insights into the unity of art, life, and the self.
image via Wikimedia Commons
