Ian Mckellen: 'Splendid architecture, the love of your life, an old friend... they can all go drifting by unseen if you're not careful.'

Splendid architecture, the love of your life, an old friend... they can all go drifting by unseen if you're not careful.

The quote by Ian McKellen, "Splendid architecture, the love of your life, an old friend... they can all go drifting by unseen if you're not careful," invites us to reflect on the everyday things we often take for granted. In a straightforward interpretation, the quote reminds us to be mindful of the beauty and significance that surrounds us. By being present and attentive, we can appreciate the magnificence of architecture, cherish the love we have in our lives, and value the lasting connections with old friends.However, let us delve into a deeper philosophical concept that can add a newfound interest and provoke thought. This concept is the idea of existentialism, which suggests that human existence is fundamentally subjective and lies in the choices we make. Within the context of McKellen's quote, existentialism prompts us to question not only the impact of our attentiveness but also the role of our consciousness in shaping our reality.Existentialism proposes that our experiences and interpretations of the external world are created from within ourselves. It argues that our perceptions and observations are colored by our personal beliefs, values, and circumstances. Therefore, the things that go unseen are not simply a matter of being careless but are also a consequence of the filters through which we perceive the world.On one hand, McKellen's quote emphasizes the importance of attentive observation. It encourages us to open our eyes and truly see the beauty and significance that surrounds us. By being conscious and present in the moment, we can discover hidden treasures that might otherwise pass us by. Marveling at splendid architecture, recognizing the love of our lives, and reconnecting with old friends can all be seen as conscious acts that align with the existentialist notion of actively creating our own reality.On the other hand, existentialism challenges this notion by highlighting the individual subjectivity of our experiences. The premise of existentialism suggests that even when we are attentive, what we see and perceive is filtered through our own subjective lens. This poses the question: how much of what we see is a product of objective reality, and how much is shaped by our personal interpretations?Applying this concept to the quote, it presents the idea that there are some aspects of life that are genuinely unseen, even to the most attentive individuals. The filters of our subjectivity, including our past experiences, biases, and emotions, can obscure our perception of reality. Despite our best efforts, there may be layers of existence that remain hidden from us, drifting by unnoticed.In conclusion, Ian McKellen's quote serves as a reminder to be mindful of the splendor that surrounds us in everyday life. However, the unexpected introduction of existentialism challenges the notion of complete awareness and urges us to consider the subjective nature of our observations. It invites us to reflect on how our personal filters shape our reality and whether there are unseen aspects of existence that are beyond our grasp. Ultimately, contemplating the quote and the contrasting concepts helps us appreciate the world while acknowledging the complexities of human perception.