When We Stop Trying To Escape Reality | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

When We Stop Trying To Escape Reality

We often try to escape through books or art, only to find that we can't.

226
When We Stop Trying To Escape Reality
Pixabay

"That's why we have art: to escape," the gallery owner said, looking at a painting with soft colors and edges.

I saw her point. We were in a gallery surrounded by artwork, drinking in their beautiful details and finding refreshment therein. In that moment, there were no questions of politics, world issues or the future. We were simply appreciating the work before us.

Yet, that moment was not one of escape.

Each painting I liked was for a reason. Often, that reason had to do with the feelings conveyed and evoked by the piece. Sometimes it was a more solemn, lonely feeling as I took in the forms of solitary sailors on a gray sea. Other times, it was the feelings of joy and intrigue as I gazed upon natural scenes with details as clear and sharp as crystal and vibrant colors.

My reason for admiration never had to do with me feeling far away as if I was in a different world. And it couldn't have been. I enjoyed the works as much as I did because of the ways they connected and attested to the beauty, awe and experience of the real world.

Without that connection, there would be no framework to appreciate the works. How can a person even find significance in something when it is completely unreal?

Humans need something with which to connect when pieces of art are present. Sometimes that connection is found in the beauty, emotion or symbolism of a work. Whatever that connecting point is, it is something that has been enjoyed or experience in humankind, the world or existence.

Even the most fantastical visual or written works speak to people because of these things. Imagination, creativity, beauty, intelligence, valor, bravery and goodness all strike viewers of the most fictional and outlandish works.

People often speak of the need to escape through art and literature, but merely escaping will not help. In actuality, any retreat that is to be had occurs by being immersed in that which is seen as the good parts of the world and existence.

For this same reason, it is not healthy for people to pursue escape. When we view a piece of art or literature as having good, intriguing components that our own world does not, we not only sell our own world short—we make a more dismal view of reality for ourselves. If all of the enjoyable, good things are in books or paintings, we will fail to see the good that is in our own world and fail to enjoy it. A life without enjoyment is a very sad one. It is also an unrealistic one.

Instead of trying to escape, perhaps we should try to explore. Explore the world around us. Find and identify those good things. Explore the reasons we have for liking different works of art and literature and connect those to the real world. Explore the world, rather than give up on it. When we do this, we may find there is a lot of exploring to do.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

182921
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

9625
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

454135
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

24288
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments