People have always had a thirst for knowledge and a desire to learn and understand more about the universe and our place in it. The history of humanity is also a history of our progress towards this end, of our ever expanding knowledge, and ever increasing questions. In this long lasting quest for meaning and understanding, we each have our own method of pursuing fulfillment and understanding.
Two of the most prominent ways of finding meaning in the universe have been through science and art. These different realms have often been said to be opposing and at odds with one another. Many have also devoted their time to arguing about the superiority of one over the other. In this way, art and science are frequently in conflict. However, when it comes to finding purpose, meaning, and understanding, I think they compliment each other very well and are of equal value.
The main purpose of science is to discover more completely how our universe -- and everything in it
-- works. The contributions of science (and mathematics) in furthering our comprehension of the universe are clear. Through scientific discovery, we learn a multitude of new, thrilling information; from how life and DNA operates, to the existence of subatomic particles and an unraveling of the history of our universe. Science and mathematics are so excellent because they allow us to more fully understand how everything works.
Art on the other hand, does not necessarily enable us make practical progress in grasping the technical workings of life, the world, or the cosmos, It does not further us in advancing and improving our abilities, or increasing quality of physical living. However, I do think that it is still one of most important tools in understanding the why in the universe and in our existence. Even if it does not literally tell us the reason everything is the way it is, it allows us to glean a deeper meaning in existence, and to further appreciate the beauty, order, and significance of the natural world. It allows us to see something more complex and profound in the universe, and moreover, gives us enjoyment in life and more of a reason to live.
I have already pointed out that the spheres of science and art compliment each other, but I should also briefly mention that they also overlap up to an extent. I do not believe that science is strictly a cold, calculating domain, that is purely practical. Far from that, I think that science, as much as art, allows us to recognize the beauty and wonder of all that exists. It is also very capable of providing enjoyment and meaning in one's life. One only has to look at the incredible patterns naturally occurring in nature, the beauty of forests and oceans, and the majesty of the mountains and the cosmos, in order to gain some insight into the "why" of our existence.
Likewise, art has elements of the scientific in it as well. This is not a surprising thing, since much of it is inspired by the real world, and results are produced from a detailed study of it. Even
abstract works often incorporate geometric shapes and complex patterns. Color theory, lighting, and shading all have the feeling of an in depth, systematic study about them as well. The precision and technique involved in art certainly suggests elements of the scientific.
In short, neither science or art is greater than the other. Both are valuable tools that allow us to better understand the universe and the meaning of our existence. I do not think we will every fully comprehend how the universe works, or what the purpose of our lives is. But that is what makes such questions all the more extraordinary and captivating.
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