Mastery

In Mastery, Robert Greene explores the journey toward achieving mastery and dispels the myth that innate talent is a prerequisite for becoming a master. Greene argues that mastery is attainable by following a structured path and learning from those who have achieved it before. The book outlines a clear progression towards mastery, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and the right approach rather than relying on natural talent alone.

Here belies a crucial insight in neuroscience – that humans cultivate the mind that we deserve. Through practice and repetition, we can develop the habits of masters.

It is critical, according to Greene, that each individual responds to an inner calling, a unique vocation or field where their passions and abilities align. Identifying and pursuing this calling is crucial for long-term success and fulfillment. Greene also stresses that the initial goal in any new field should be to absorb as much knowledge as possible, rather than seeking immediate success or financial gain. This learning phase is vital for laying a strong foundation for future achievements.

Furthermore, Greene highlights the significance of mentorship in mastering a discipline. A mentor can provide valuable guidance and insight, making the learning process more efficient and effective. After completing the apprenticeship phase, Greene advises that one must be bold enough to innovate and challenge established norms. Broadening and training the mind to solve problems creatively is essential for reaching the highest levels of mastery. Ultimately, mastery involves practicing a skill until it becomes second nature, allowing the mind and body to work in harmony and enabling one to focus on broader, more strategic goals.

The Outline as a Visual Convention

July 22, 2024

Just as a map key simplifies a geographic landscape, visual conventions distill a myriad of stimuli into comprehensible symbols. One such convention is the outline. Throughout history, artists have used outlines not just to depict physical forms and create structure but also to subtly direct the viewer toward particular set of cultural values. In writing this piece, I want to explore a few of the ways outlines have been used and why that may have been the case.

Visual conventions in art function as symbolic shorthand, enabling artists to communicate complex ideas efficiently and guide viewers through both symbolic and physical realms. By studying conventions, we not only deepen our appreciation for the possibilities of the visual language and cognition (symbolic realm) but also uncover connections between artistic practice, social behavior and the natural world (physical realm).

The human mind uses mental models to simplify and interpret complexity. According to gestalt theory, once the smaller parts of an arrangement are understood, we group them into something larger. Consecutive dots in a loop are viewed as a circle, for instance. The dots are no longer seen as parts but as a whole. In this way, we avoid cognitive overload.

In turn, conventions go largely unseen. We easily move past them in order to grasp the whole. When was the last time you considered outlines, even while outlines don’t exist in nature and were the invention from the model forming mind of an early hominid. What of photography? We likely overlook how photography flattens space, reduces scale and freezes motion. Our remarkable minds, in their haste to make order, flush out what is need and pay little attention to all that is missing.

The outlined form becomes a placeholder for an entire constellation of ideas. Outlines suggests that ideas can be contained, understood. One thing is separate from another. In the west, this harkens back to the god Apollo, and is conquering of the passions through reason. This precludes the Dionysian concepts of an undifferentiated flow of energy and dissolution of self through the symbolic ritual of consuming wine.

Islamic art, with its prohibition on representational imagery, employs outlines on other ways. Rather than focusing on individual figures or historical events, outlines in Islamic art create intricate patterns and repetitive motifs. These elements serve to amplify a spiritual message and convey the transcendence of God’s presence through abstract representation. Lines take the viewer away from the world around us toward a more sacred presence beyond.

In conclusion, visual conventions like outlines, are essential for simplifying and communicating complex ideas. By exploring their historical and cultural applications, we see how conventions influence cognitive processes and cultural narratives. Put more simply, by examining conventions we can better appreciate how meaning is shaped and how we can shape meaning by the shorthands we use.

Timelessness and Temporality

June 25, 2024