The value of art

Art is essential.

When the Phillies are down and it's the bottom of the ninth inning the jumbotron doesn't light up with a math theorem, but with the Rocky theme. Myth and metaphor communicate in a flash what science can take years to deliver. Our brains, as predictive rather than computing organisms, make connections more quickly (if sometimes errantly) through art than computers can with logic. And our communities, as social organisms filled with social beings, grow stronger with art, especially shared art.

But don't listen to me, read this speech to incoming students at the Boston Conservatory of Music. (tx to Paul Levy's blog pointing it out.)