Artistic and cultural awareness
I don’t know if it’s a symptom of the modern age, or a peculiarly Australian phenomenon, but the average citizen isn’t very culturally aware.
I like to think that I have a broad general knowledge and a moderate IQ, somewhere between Einstein and George Bush on the scale, but I have to admit that my knowledge is lacking in many areas.
It was Juliet’s turn to visit the dentist today, and while paddling in her root canal, so to speak, he engaged in discourse on classical music. It transpires that his girlfriend plays violin for the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. He also spoke about a notable pianist, of whom neither of us has ever heard.
I studied music until Year 11 and played in the school band. I can appreciate and enjoy classical music, but I don’t go chasing it and opera sends me asleep or nutty.
I read a lot, but I haven’t touched a so-called classic since leaving high school. My language skills are limited to good English, with a very basic visual understanding of German and a very basic aural understanding of Dutch and Afrikaans.
People with a moderate education in the 19th century would have known a fair degree of Latin and French. They would have been able to play the piano or an orchestral instrument. They would have read the Greek classics in the original Greek.
Of course they would have known nothing about computers or electronics.
Feeling charitable to myself I’m prepared to consider that the volume of information we process in the small part of our brain we actually use is far greater than at any other time in human history.
Is it any wonder that the average citizen knows more about football than architecture; thinks Homer is a cartoon character and Italian painters are lazy?
My regrets are that I haven’t learnt more about music, language and theology.
I’ve said for a few years now that I could retire tomorrow and lead an active life. I just need the right numbers to come up in lotto first. Bring it on!
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