The Art of Being Human Week One, Chapter One

What does it mean to be human and what are the humanities?

Think about your life without the Humanities How often do you listen to music? How often do you watch stories—TV and Movies? How often do you take pictures, look at pictures, hang pictures, change them on your desktop, etc. How often do you create something?

Defining Humanities Study of classical art, literature, and philosophy Belief was that the only way to be fully human was to study these and be “well- rounded” or a “Renaissance Man/Woman”

Humanities Also, the humanities are the creative and intellectual expressions of each of us in moments of inspiration. Major aim of this class is to show how studying the humanities can be a journey into self-knowledge.

Another definition: Dictionary Definition: The branches of learning (such as philosophy or languages) that investigate human constructs and concerns, as opposed to natural processes. But what does that mean? The humanities, such as classical and modern languages, literature, history, and philosophy, have the overall goal of the exploration and explanation of human experience. Some would include the fine arts (music, art, dance, and drama) in the humanities, but others view the arts as a separate category. (We include the interpretation of the fine arts in this course). In most disciplines in the humanities, written texts are extremely important, especially in history, philosophy, and literature. Historians attempt a systematic documentation and analysis of events related to a particular people, country, or period. Literary authors and artists attempt to capture for others their own human experiences and understanding of the world. The humanities involve inquiry into consciousness, values, ideas, and ideals as they seek to describe how experiences shape our understanding of the world.

Open-Mindedness What does it mean to be open minded? Music—would you give classical a try? Art—would you go to a museum and look at art? Ideas—would you consider an idea you had been dead set against?

No money needed The text says that no money is needed to enjoy the humanities—but I wonder if you live in a 3rd world country—can you enjoy the humanities free? How true is it that no money is needed? Critical Thinking, Open-mindedness, and Appreciation of Beauty

Dan Ariely: What makes us feel good about our work? What makes people feel good about “work”? You might be surprised. Hear what Dan Ariely says about work.

Ariely Continued What is Ariely’s main point and how does it apply to Humanities?

First Step to appreciate the humanities: NOTICE!!!! Why is the movie sooooo good?? Why is the song so incredible??? What is it about the picture or the canvas that makes you want to hang it on the wall of your apartment or house?

What do Humanities ask us to appreciate? Beauty Beautiful Movement Language Ideas Deep sense of the past

Infinite Person Strive to become an Infinite Person An Infinite person is ALWAYS learning—never stop! A person of the broadest possible learning and widely diverse range of interests and achievements.

Infinite Person Commits no crimes against humanity Free of rigid prejudices and never works consciously to restrict others from exercising their right to assemble, speak openly, practice religion, and follow their own preferences as long as they don’t infringe on the freedom of others. Looks at ALL sides, reserves judgment and recognizes that no judgment is final.

Leonardo da vinci 1492 - 1519 scientist, mathematician, engineer, inventor, anatomist, painter, sculpor, architect, botanist, musician and writer.

Da Vinci continued Illegitimate son of a notary and a peasant girl, born in Florence Italy. click picture

da Vinci Conceptualized a helicopter, tank, solar power, calculator, Advanced the study of anatomy, civil engineering, optices, and hydrodynamics

Key Terms aesthetic beauty discipline humanism humanities Renaissance Man

Philosophic Discussion Leakey Foundation What does it mean to be Human? (Brainpickings video) Funding scientific studies important Why do we love art, music, stories? How are we different from animals?

The Uniqueness of humans Robert Sapolsky: fascinating and funny look at human behavior which the rest of the animal kingdom would consider bizarre. http://www.ted.com/talks/robert_sapolsky_the_uniqueness_of_humans.html Start around 12 minutes

Maslow’s Hierarchy

How do the humanities factor in to Maslow’s Hierarchy?

Written Assignment Option Instead of the writing assignment for week one on choosing a quote, I’d like to give you an option: Watch a movie that has won awards, but one that you haven’t seen because it seemed too artsy fartsy, or it just didn’t seem like something you would enjoy. Write about what the experience was like. I suggest a film called, Life is Beautiful. It is an Italian film with a great twist at the end! Yes, it has subtitles—try something new!!! There is so much you haven’t seen—what are you missing. Please email me with the film that you would like to watch if you aren’t choosing Life is Beautiful—it should be an award winner—include the title and the awards and the year it came out.