This quote, “On painting and fighting look aloof,” by George Herbert, suggests that in both art and conflict, it’s essential to maintain a certain distance or perspective. In other words, when we’re too close to a situation (whether it’s creating a piece of art or dealing with an argument), we can’t see the whole picture.
In the context of painting, if an artist is too close to their canvas, they may lose sight of the overall composition. They might focus too much on details and fail to understand how those details contribute to the entire work.
Similarly in fighting or conflict resolution, if one is overly immersed in their own viewpoint or emotions they may not be able to appreciate the other person’s perspective. This could lead them into unnecessary fights instead of finding common ground and resolving their differences amicably.
Applying this idea today would mean taking a step back from our problems or tasks at hand before acting on them. For instance, in personal development this could translate into practicing mindfulness—being aware of our thoughts and emotions without getting caught up in them. This allows us space for self-reflection which can lead us towards healthier choices rather than reactive decisions.
In today’s world where everything is fast-paced and immediate responses are often expected, taking time for reflection might seem counterintuitive. However adopting this ‘looking aloof’ approach could help us gain clarity about what truly matters thereby leading more balanced lives personally as well as professionally.
