Alice Walker: 'I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don't notice it.'

I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don't notice it.

Alice Walker's quote, "I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don't notice it," captures the profound idea of appreciating the beauty and wonder of the world around us. In essence, the quote emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and living in the present moment. It encourages us to not take the simple joys and wonders of life for granted but to instead pause, observe, and be grateful for the little blessings that surround us every day. Walker's words remind us to be present and engaged with our surroundings, urging us to notice and cherish the beauty that often goes unnoticed in the hustle and bustle of daily life.To introduce an unexpected philosophical concept to this discussion, let's consider the idea of existentialism. Existentialism is a philosophical theory that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice. It delves into the complexities of human existence and the idea that individuals are responsible for creating meaning and purpose in their lives. When we apply the concept of existentialism to Walker's quote, we can see a parallel in the idea of actively engaging with the world around us. By choosing to notice and appreciate the color purple in a field, we are taking a stance of agency and autonomy in actively seeking out beauty and meaning in life. In this sense, the act of stopping to acknowledge the color purple becomes a manifestation of our freedom to choose how we engage with the world and find meaning in our existence.On the other hand, existentialism also raises questions about the potential burden of choice and responsibility that comes with being aware of the beauty around us. In noticing the color purple in a field, are we then obligated to appreciate it, assign meaning to it, or act upon this newfound awareness? Existentialist thinkers such as Jean-Paul Sartre would argue that with the freedom to notice the color purple comes the responsibility to take action and live authentically in response to this observation. This idea challenges us to not only be mindful of the beauty in the world but also to actively engage with it in a way that aligns with our values and beliefs, ultimately shaping our sense of self and identity.In summary, Alice Walker's quote serves as a poignant reminder to slow down, be present, and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. By infusing the discussion with the philosophical concept of existentialism, we deepen our understanding of the proactive role we play in finding meaning and purpose in our interactions with the world. Through a blend of mindfulness and agency, we can embrace the color purple in the field as a symbol of our individual choice to notice, appreciate, and engage with the beauty that enriches our lives.