Ian Mckellen: 'I've always had very catholic tastes.'

I've always had very catholic tastes.

In the quote, 'I've always had very catholic tastes,' Ian McKellen reveals his broad and diverse interests. At face value, the quote means that McKellen has a wide range of tastes and is open to experiencing various forms of art, literature, and culture. This perspective is important as it reflects an openness and curiosity that can enrich one's life and understanding of the world. However, delving deeper into the quote, an unexpected philosophical concept emerges - the idea of catholicity, not strictly confined to the religious context but rather as a broader concept of inclusivity and universality. This concept adds an intriguing dimension to the quote, inviting us to explore the depth and significance of having "catholic tastes" in all aspects of life.The term "catholic" originally referred to the Catholic Church, emphasizing its universality and its aim to cater to a wide range of followers. In this context, McKellen's use of the phrase implies a variety of interests and an ability to appreciate many different things. Just as the Catholic Church seeks to embrace diversity among its members, McKellen's catholic tastes indicate his ability to appreciate and enjoy a wide array of artistic expressions, from literature and theater to film and various forms of visual art.Beyond the literal meaning, the quote takes on a broader philosophical significance. It inspires us to consider the benefits of adopting catholic tastes not only in terms of art and culture but also in our approach to life. By embracing diverse perspectives, opinions, and experiences, we can expand our horizons and deepen our understanding of ourselves and others. Just as McKellen's openness to various forms of art enriches his life and craft as an actor, our ability to appreciate different ideas and experiences can enhance our own personal growth and compassion for others.Now, let's explore the unexpected philosophical concept introduced by the quote - catholicity. Within this broader context, catholicity can be understood as a way of appreciating and embracing the interconnectedness of all things. It encourages us to embrace a holistic view of the world, recognizing that everything is part of a larger whole. This concept resonates with the teachings of many philosophical traditions, such as Buddhism and Taoism, which emphasize the interdependence of all beings.When we apply this concept to McKellen's quote, we can see that his catholic tastes not only pertain to art but also extend to his attitude towards life. By having diverse tastes and interests, he recognizes that everything is interconnected and that it is essential to explore various aspects of life to gain a holistic understanding of the world. This broader interpretation of catholicity invites us to consider the importance of embracing diversity and interconnectedness not only in the realm of art but also in our relationships, our perception of nature, and even our understanding of ourselves.In conclusion, Ian McKellen's quote, 'I've always had very catholic tastes,' holds a straightforward meaning of his broad range of interests. However, it also introduces an unexpected philosophical concept - catholicity. This concept invites us to embrace diversity, interconnectedness, and a holistic approach to life. By appreciating and incorporating various forms of art, ideas, and experiences, we can deepen our understanding of the world and ourselves. Just as the quote reflects McKellen's open-mindedness and curiosity, it is a powerful reminder for us all to explore the richness of life and to cultivate our own catholic tastes.