Hero From A Distance
Only artists,
and especially those of the theater,
have given men eyes and ears to see and hear with some pleasure…
only they have taught us to esteem the hero
that is concealed in everyday characters;
only they have taught us
the art of viewing ourselves as heroes from a distance
and, as it were,
simplified and transfigured
–the art of staging and watching ourselves.
Without this art
we would be nothing but foreground
and live entirely in the spell
of that perspective which
makes what is closest at hand and most vulgar
appear as if it were vast, and reality itself.
Perhaps…
religion
that made men see
the sinfulness of every single individual
through a magnifying glass,
turning the sinner into a great,
immortal criminal.
By surrounding him with eternal perspectives,
it taught man
to see himself from a distance and
as something past and whole.
–excerpt The Gay Science, Book 2, Section 78 by Friedrich Nietzsche
I am excited. And today is only Tuesday.
Sunday evening we have reservations at the Arcada Theater to experience a live performance by Air Supply. If Rock N Roll were possible in the late 19th century no doubt Nietzsche would have been a fan. The music, defined by the guitar, and by a drum kit, and with the magic of staging explored life for the post WWII Boomer generation. With two or three friends, a drum kit, a Fender Stratocaster guitar and space in your garage — you and your friends could make magic.
We are well into the 21st century. Air Supply is an Australian duo from Melbourne who formed a band in 1975. I was interested to read the members of the group met while rehearsing for the Australian production of Jesus Christ Superstar.
Want to see yourself as a superstar-hero?
The arts, music, theater will aid you to that end.
What is real — the stand off, at-a-distance view of yourself and others? Or being under the spell of the close up unattractive view; yes, the one flawed with self-interest, and insecurity?
There’s reason to believe both are true.
So, go ahead and be your own hero from a distance!
Making Love Out Of Nothing At All performed by Air Supply. The lyrics written by the late great, Jim Steinman. Tell me this song does not elevate your spirit!
