Natalie Haynes on science, art and the Muses

You need to read this from the top, but the last sentence is both true and funny

A second point to note is that the Muses for all their focus on the arts - are also involved in scientific endeavours. If you want to be a successful astronomer, it will be Ourania to whom you must appeal. The Muses have chosen to inspire scientists as well an artists. We’re so accustomed to a dialogue which pits these two areas of study against one another utility versus beauty and yet the Muses wouldn’t recognize this division. Why wouldn’t you want your scientific pursuits to be beautiful? And why wouldn’t you apply forensic accuracy to your dance or song? The distinction that only sciences are useful and only arts are spirit-enhancing is a nonsensical one. I couldn’t write much without scientists designing my computer. And some of them must want to read about Greek myth after a long day at work. These Muses always remind me that scientists and artists should disregard the idiotic attempts to separate us. We are all nerds, in the end.

Currently reading: Divine Might by Natalie Haynes 📚