Erich Fromm: 'The capacity to be puzzled is the premise of all creation, be it in art or in science.'

The capacity to be puzzled is the premise of all creation, be it in art or in science.

The quote by Erich Fromm, "The capacity to be puzzled is the premise of all creation, be it in art or in science," encapsulates the essence of human curiosity and the drive to explore the unknown. By summarizing the quote in a straightforward manner, it becomes clear that the ability to feel puzzled, to question and seek answers, is fundamental to both the creation of art and the pursuit of scientific knowledge. This inherent capacity within us, as humans, is what propels us to delve into the mysteries of life, pushing the boundaries of our understanding and sparking new discoveries.However, let us now dive into an unexpected philosophical concept that will serve to bring a sense of intrigue and interest to this article - the concept of existentialism. Existentialism, a philosophical school of thought that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, focuses on the individual's experience of living and the freedom and responsibility they have in creating meaning in an inherently meaningless universe.Existentialism, at its core, aligns well with Fromm's quote as it emphasizes the importance of being puzzled, of questioning the world around us, and finding our own individual truths. It emphasizes the significance of subjective experience and the notion that we, as individuals, have the power to shape our own existence. This notion closely mirrors Fromm's idea that the capacity to be puzzled is the foundation for all creation.In the realm of art, existentialism encourages artists to explore the depths of human existence, often grappling with themes of identity, purpose, and the complexities of life. Artists who embrace their capacity to be puzzled – those who challenge the status quo, question conventions, and seek to evoke emotion and provoke thought – are, in essence, following the path laid out by both Fromm and existentialist philosophers.Similarly, the pursuit of scientific knowledge is driven by an inherent sense of puzzlement – the desire to understand the workings of the universe and unravel its mysteries. Scientists embark on a journey of exploration, continually questioning, testing hypotheses, and seeking answers. They are captivated by the intricate beauty of the natural world, forever puzzled by its complexity, and driven to uncover the underlying principles that govern it.Despite the seemingly different worlds of art and science, both are united in their reliance on being puzzled, on the unquenchable thirst for knowledge and understanding. Whether it is the artist who creates thought-provoking masterpieces or the scientist who uncovers groundbreaking discoveries, both individuals are bound by the same underlying desire – to push the boundaries of what is known and to usher in new realms of understanding.In conclusion, Erich Fromm's quote reminds us of the profound importance of being puzzled in both arts and sciences. It highlights the intrinsic drive within humans to question, explore, and create, and how this capacity is fundamental to our growth and development as individuals and as a society. By introducing the unexpected philosophical concept of existentialism and comparing it to Fromm's quote, we find a remarkable parallel between the pursuit of knowledge and artistic expression. Both endeavors hinge upon our innate capacity to be puzzled, inviting us to embrace the mysteries of life and transcend the limits of our current understanding.