"I will only observe, that that ethereal sense - sight, and touch, which is at the other extremity of the scale, have from time acquired a very remarkable additional power"

Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, a renowned gastronome, offers intriguing observations on the senses in this quote. To analyze this declaration, it's important to think about the context of his work, which typically checks out the satisfaction and intricacies of sensory experiences, especially in relation to food and dining.

The quote highlights an interesting juxtaposition between 2 senses: sight and touch. Brillat-Savarin explains sight as "heavenly"-- an adjective recommending something fragile, light, and heavenly. This characterization points to sight's almost transcendent quality, allowing human beings to perceive and interpret the world with depth and breadth beyond immediate physical connections. Sight can be viewed as ethereal because it bridges the space in between the tangible and the intangible, allowing an appreciation for aesthetic appeals and appeal that goes beyond mere survival.

In contrast, touch is described as inhabiting "the other extremity of the scale". Here, touch is lined up with physicality and direct interaction with the environment. It roots us in the material world, depending on instant contact to supply information and a sense of presence. Touch represents the essential, direct method of knowing that is vital for existence and interaction within our physical truth.

Brillat-Savarin suggests that both senses, through the passage of time, have acquired "a very remarkable extra power". This recommends an advancement or enhancement in the human experience of sight and touch. In time, cultural, intellectual, and perhaps even technological developments might have expanded these senses beyond their standard capacities. For instance, art and literature might deepen the affective experience related to sight, while advancements in tactile technologies may improve the sense of touch.

In general, Brillat-Savarin's reflection on sight and touch invites reflection of how human perception has developed, stressing the extensive interaction between our senses and the ever-changing world they interpret and navigate. This evolution allows humans to appreciate progressively intricate layers of reality, improving the charm and richness of life itself.