The complex human eye harvests light. It perceives seven to ten million colors through a synaptic flash: one-tenth of a second from retina to brain. Homo sapiens gangs up 70 percent of its sense receptors solely for vision, to anticipate danger and recognize reward, but also — more so — for beauty. We have eyes refined by the evolution of predation. We use a predator’s eyes to marvel at the work of Titian or the Grand Canyon bathed in the copper light of a summer sunset.
— Ellen Meloy, The Anthropology of Turquoise: Reflections on Desert, Sea, Stone, and Sky
Notes:
- Photo: DK @ Daybreak. 5:40 am, June 6, 2021. 69° F. Norwalk, CT
- Post title Inspired by Albert Einstein’s quote: “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.
- Quote via Brain Pickings. Thank you Lori for sharing.
more so for beauty – yes
Yes!
Thank goodness for our predator’s eyes seeking beauty. The world would appear very bleak otherwise. 🙂
Wouldn’t it though!!
I’m so appreciative of your receptors!
Awwww, thank you Mimi.
I’m afraid I don’t agree with Einstein’s way of looking at life. If it’s all or nothing, that kills the idea of a miracle right there. If everything is a miracle, then what is miraculous about it? If there are no miracles, that word is useless. Maybe I need a cup of coffee first to think about this more clearly.
Ha! Now you have me thinking!
Reblogged this on It Is What It Is and commented:
Beyond amazing!! … “The complex human eye harvests light.”
Yes!