Coming to understand a painting or a symphony in an unfamiliar style, to recognize the work of an artist or school, to see or hear in new ways, is as cognitive an achievement as learning to read or write or add.

Nelson Goodman’s quote emphasizes the intellectual and cognitive value of engaging with art in unfamiliar forms. He suggests that understanding a painting or a symphony—especially in styles or genres that are new to us—requires the same level of mental effort and achievement as mastering fundamental skills like reading, writing, or mathematics. By recognizing the work of an artist or school, Goodman argues that we are not just appreciating art aesthetically, but engaging in a deep cognitive process that challenges our perception and broadens our understanding.

The origin of this quote lies in Goodman’s contributions to philosophy, particularly in the areas of aesthetics and epistemology. As a philosopher and educator, Goodman believed that our understanding of art is not passive, but rather an active process of learning and discovery. His work explored how humans make sense of the world, particularly through the interpretation of symbols, whether in art, language, or science. For Goodman, understanding art in new or unfamiliar ways expands the mind in a manner comparable to mastering basic academic skills.

Goodman’s statement highlights the idea that art is not simply for emotional or sensory enjoyment, but that it also plays an important role in cognitive development. Just as learning to read opens up new ways of understanding the world through words, learning to engage with different artistic styles or forms can open up new ways of seeing and hearing. This engagement with art challenges our usual frameworks and introduces new concepts, requiring mental agility and flexibility to understand and appreciate different artistic languages.

Ultimately, Goodman’s quote emphasizes the educational and transformative power of art. By engaging with unfamiliar forms of expression, we expand our cognitive capacities and enrich our ability to perceive and understand the world. This perspective encourages us to see the appreciation of art not just as an emotional experience, but as a learning process that enhances our cognitive abilities and contributes to a deeper understanding of human culture and creativity.