Poetry and Science: Two Polar Opposite Modes of Communication

Summary

The article discusses the importance of balancing scientific endeavors with artistic pursuits for a well-rounded life, emphasizing the restorative power of engaging in the arts.

Abstract

The author reflects on their time in graduate school, noting the prevalence of artistic hobbies among their fellow science students. Initially viewing art as a mere respite from the rigors of scientific work, the author later came to appreciate the essential role of art in providing a necessary counterbalance to the analytical focus of science. Drawing on a quote from Samuel T. Coleridge, the article posits that poetry and science represent two opposing modes of communication, with science aiming to convey truth and poetry offering immediate pleasure. In a world where both truth and pleasure seem scarce, the author advocates for seeking refuge in creative activities, inviting readers to share their own sources of joy and to explore the work of a fellow artist.

Opinions

The author believes that engaging in art is not only restful but also a vital activity, as essential as food, water, and human affection.
Artistic expression is seen as a means to achieve a pleasurable retreat from the stresses of daily life, more enjoyable than napping or meditation.
The author suggests that society is currently lacking in both truth and pleasure, implying a need to reconnect with these elements through art and poetry.
There is an appreciation for the intrinsic value of poetry and science as complementary modes of communication, each serving different but essential purposes in human experience.
The author encourages continued creativity and artistic exploration, highlighting the importance of community and shared experiences in the artistic process.

And why we need both

“In the Moment,” acrylic on canvas, by author.

When I was in grad school struggling to become a bona fide scientist, it surprised me to discover that many of my fellow students, despite having to teach or work in the lab essentially 24/7, enjoyed outside interests in the arts. From playing the tower bells on weekends to composing symphonies to painting enormous abstracts, most of my chemistry comrades were deeply engaged in creating art in some form.

Back then, I was certain—because those were the days when I thought I knew just about everything (!)—that taking a break from science to play around with a completely different kind of activity was restful, a complete shift from left to right brain, required for maintaining some modicum of sanity.

I was totally right about that. To this day, working on a painting or a poem is as restorative as having a nap or sinking into a deep meditative state. I need this escape just as much as I need food, water, and hugs. But I never fully understood why this shift from left brain to right brain and back again was so important, so essential.

This morning, as I was going through some old notebooks full of stashed ideas and quotes, a yellowed slip of ancient scribbled-on newsprint fell out onto my desk, almost as if the Universe were sending me a message:

“Poetry is not the proper antithesis to prose, but to science. Poetry is opposed to science, and prose to metre. The proper and immediate object of science is the acquirement of communication of truth; the proper and immediate object of poetry is the communication of immediate pleasure.” —Samuel T. Coleridge

Truth and pleasure. These days I believe that most of us aren’t getting enough of either. Today, I’m going to turn off the news, forget about war and pandemics for a while, and spend the afternoon with fellow artists who love to splash color on paper and canvas. Much more fun than taking a nap!

What gives you a pleasurable retreat from the crazies? If you write a poem or an essay about this, please tag me! I’d love to know!

And please take a moment to read one of the most original, compelling, and skillfully executed poems I’ve seen anywhere, by my friend Shadowgnosis:

Meanwhile, thanks once more to my favorite creative ScienceDuuude and his welcoming WotWU world. Keep writing! :D

BRAIN FART

Poetry and Science: Two Polar Opposite Modes of Communication

And why we need both

Dizain Gray

Thinking about my Father’s bookshelf