This post is a response to a question initially posed on Quora, and can also be accessed via “https://www.quora.com/How-does-an-artist-see-the-world/answer/Antonio-Amaral-1“

Yes.

Artists value creativity above all else and perceive the world in terms of possibilities rather than as a fixed and immutable paradigm for living.

Artists are generally more open-minded and accommodating of individuality than far too much of the general public.

Artists also tend to be far more sensitive to the ineffable qualities of life and being human, and as such, have far broader perspectives on life than most of the general public.

Artists have fewer restrictions in their thinking patterns, allowing them to perceive much of what is invisible to much of the population.

Artists thrive in nuance, subtlety, complexity, and abstraction while much of the population finds such things overwhelming or unworthy of attention.

Artists value self-expression in ways that often create discomfort for many who prefer to ignore complex issues or ideas.

Artists excel in providing the world with mirrors to observe and understand itself better. In contrast, much of the world is transfixed on imagery they would never otherwise imagine.

An artist can spend hours watching an ant’s activity while marveling at its purpose, whereas most people view that as a waste of time.

Artists can be moved by sounds, colours, words, ideas, or expressions that most would otherwise ignore or be dismissive toward.

Artists often live apart from the human societies they occupy, but are usually more human than those human societies.

Artists are also far more emotionally vulnerable than most people, which makes them viewed as prey by predators. Still, they are also far more potent than those predators when they realize that the source of their strength and vulnerability is the same.

Temet Nosce