"The goal of life is rapture. Art is the way we experience it"

Life can be full of mundane routines, but the essence of living—what truly makes us feel alive—is those moments of profound joy and ecstasy. This deep sense of delight, or rapture, is the ultimate aim of our existence. And guess what? Art is the magical vehicle that transports us to that state.

Now, let’s break this down a bit. At its core, this idea suggests that while we all go through life seeking happiness and meaning, the true pinnacle of those experiences—the rapture—is often accessed through art. Whether it’s a song that moves you to tears, a painting that takes your breath away, or a poem that makes you see the world differently, these artistic expressions are gateways to our most profound emotional experiences.

Historically, this perspective has roots in the thoughts of many philosophers and artists. Think of the Romantic poets in the 18th century. They believed that art and nature could stir the soul in powerful ways, bringing people closer to their true, unfiltered emotions. They were all about feeling things deeply and fully—and they saw art as the key to unlocking that depth.

Let me paint you a picture of how this plays out in real life. Imagine Sarah, a busy professional who spends her days buried in spreadsheets and endless meetings. One evening, she decides to visit an art gallery on a whim. She’s never been much into paintings, but something about the serenity of the gallery calls to her. She stands in front of a massive canvas splashed with vibrant blues and chaotic streaks of red. As she stares, she feels a rush of emotions—confusion, awe, excitement. It’s like the painting is speaking to her, and for those moments, she’s completely absorbed, forgetting the stress of her job and the world outside. That’s rapture. Art has taken Sarah to a place of emotional intensity she rarely visits.

So, how can you use this wisdom in your own life? It’s pretty straightforward: make space for art. You don’t have to be an art critic or a musician. Just be open to experiencing art in its many forms. Visit museums, listen to diverse genres of music, read literature that challenges your perspective. Let yourself be moved. Don’t overthink it—just let your emotions lead.

Here’s a story to bring it all home. Imagine a young man named Alex who’s been feeling disconnected and uninspired. He’s tried all sorts of self-help books and motivational talks, but nothing seems to stick. One day, a friend invites him to a live jazz performance. Alex isn’t really into jazz, but he goes along anyway. As the musicians begin to play, something shifts inside him. The rhythms, the improvisation, the sheer energy of the performance—it sweeps Alex off his feet. For the first time in a long time, he feels truly alive. The music, with its spontaneous beauty, fills him with rapture. He leaves the club that night with a new sense of purpose and excitement about life.

So, whenever you’re feeling a bit lost or disconnected, remember that art is there to guide you back to those intense, beautiful moments of rapture. It’s about embracing the emotional experiences that art offers and letting them enrich your life. After all, we’re all just seeking those moments that make our hearts race and our spirits soar. And art? It’s the perfect way to find them.