"The precision of naming takes away from the uniqueness of seeing"
- Pierre Bonnard
About this Quote
This quote by Pierre Bonnard speaks to the concept that the act of calling something can remove from the experience of seeing it. By designating a name to something, we are basically classifying it and limiting its capacity. We are no longer able to appreciate the special qualities of the important things we are seeing, as we have already appointed it a label. This quote motivates us to take a step back and value the charm of the world around us without the need to name it. Bonnard is suggesting that we ought to take the time to value the originality of what we are seeing, rather than merely assigning it a name. By doing this, we can get a deeper appreciation for the world around us and the charm it holds.
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