"الفنون ليست مجرد زينة على الكعكة. إنها جزء لا يتجزأ من الكعكة نفسها."

The heart of the idea is that art isn't just an extra, a pretty decoration on life's cake. It's a fundamental part of what makes life full and rich. Imagine a cake without flour or eggs—it wouldn’t be a cake at all. In the same way, life without art would be missing something essential.

Historically, this perspective on art has been voiced in various ways by many thinkers and artists. People often think of art as something extra, something you enjoy if you have the time or money. But throughout history, art has been a crucial part of human existence. Ancient cave paintings, classical music, street murals—even the doodles you make on a napkin during a meeting—they all reflect our deep need to express, communicate, and understand the world around us.

Let’s look at a real-life example. Think about the city of Florence during the Renaissance. It wasn't just a place with beautiful paintings and sculptures. Those works of art were at the core of its identity and daily life. They influenced politics, religion, and culture. Michelangelo’s David and Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus weren’t just there to look pretty. They inspired people, stirred emotions, and provoked thoughts about beauty, power, and human potential.

So, how do you apply this idea in your own life? Start by recognizing and valuing the art around you. You don’t need to go to a museum or an opera to experience art's impact. It can be the music you listen to while cooking, the design of your favorite coffee mug, or the movie that made you cry. Engage with art actively. Draw, sing, dance, write—whatever form speaks to you. And don’t just consume it; think about how it affects you and why.

Here’s a story to bring this concept to life. Imagine you're having a rough week. Deadlines are piling up, and you’re feeling overwhelmed. You decide to take a walk to clear your mind. As you stroll through the park, you notice a group of kids painting a mural on a wall. They’re laughing, covered in paint, completely absorbed in what they’re doing. You stop to watch, and for a moment, you’re pulled out of your worries. The colors, the creativity, the pure joy of those kids—it all speaks to something deep inside you. You feel lighter, more connected to the world. That’s art doing its magic. It’s not just a pretty picture; it’s a reminder of creativity, community, and joy.

In your day-to-day life, don’t overlook these moments. Let art be a part of your routine. Decorate your space with things that inspire you. Take a few minutes to sketch or write down your thoughts. Even if you think you’re not “good” at it, that’s okay. The value is in the doing, not the perfection. Art isn’t about being the best. It’s about expressing and feeling.

So next time someone says art is just decoration, remind them it’s part of the cake. It’s in the mix, making everything richer and more meaningful. Just like that park mural, it has the power to connect us, lift us up, and remind us of what’s truly important.