“Every morning when I wake up, I experience an exquisite joy —the joy of being Salvador Dalí— and I ask myself in rapture: What wonderful things is this Salvador Dalí going to accomplish today?” – Salvador Dalí

“Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.”

― Albert Einstein

Science and Religion and Art, and all fields of knowledge and human pursuits of excellence are laudable and to be respected, as are those who engage in them. They have always been and shall always be in harmony with one another, despite what certain individuals say.

So this modest monograph if you will, is not about disputing that; rather it is about addressing what seems to be going around more ubiquitously today (due to the prevalence of among other things, social media) than before; why does it FEEL worse when an artist commits an atrocity, than when a scientist does?

Clearly it is possible to enjoy the work of an artist, despite atrocities committed. Countless actors, and singers have been found guilty of essentially paedophilia, manslaughter, murder, death by misadventure/negligence (Even Mathew Broderick, Don King, etc…), and others suspected of atrocities such as Michael Jackson, and others who have been KNOWN to indulge in horrid acts for decades with impunity (Bill Cosby, Weinstein, Jimmy Saville who was awarded honours by sports outlets, the Papacy, medical institutions, etc…for his work with sick kids, within radio, TV and sports, it turned out had raped over 400 people, from as young as 6 years old to people in their sixties and even corpses. Remember his catchphrase? ‘’Jimmy will fix it!’’…or something of the sort) Roman Polanski is a convicted paedophile who still wins awards and produces films. The list is endless, no need to continue, lest this becomes voluminous.

The point is, why do people feel MORE betrayed when an artist commits an atrocity, than when a scientist does. Most likely because of several reasons.

As the quotes headlining this suggest (There are SEVERAL quotes from both scientists and artists that are amazing and others that are abysmal. That is not the point. Those two were chosen, partly because in the image are Dali and Einstein), within the attitude of the artist, the starting point is often HIMSELF, whilst with the scientist, the starting point is often the TASK. This is highlighted in their respective quotes.

Still, they both produce truths, and joys, and knowledge, and works that touch people’s souls and minds and enable us to soar towards heights and experience sensations we never knew we could.

‘’Arts, crafts and sciences uplift the world of being, and are conducive to its exaltation.’’ -Bahá’u’lláh

 Again, not a knock on either one or exalting one over the other. Just seeking to understand why people feel more betrayed when an artist is guilty, or even simply accused, than when a scientist is, even though we can and often do, separate the artist form the work (many have no problem consuming Cosby’s works until forever, and that is their prerogative).

So, as aforementioned, one reason is the fact that the artist is very ‘’present’’. Therefore, the consumer feels a closer connection to them. Everyone knows who sang ‘’Thriller,’’ but how many know who invented the Television Set? (Many contributed, but Philo Farnsworth started it) Or the computer which we all use daily? (Charles Babbage pioneered that) Scientists tend to be more distanced from the public, for many reasons, not only because they focus on the topic/task, but the process usually takes longer and seems more ‘’boring’’ and distant/unemotional and uninvolving.

And if the guy who discovered gravity ends up being a rapist, we are still subject to gravity. But if the guy whose song you sang to your kid, or played at your wedding, turns out to be a paedophile, you do feel more ‘’betrayed’’.

Science appeals to everything, but also is more objective, and is in some ways less malleable. Art is more subjective and affects peoples’ feelings and reactions more. Therefore, even though we CAN and often DO separate the artist from the art, the feeling of betrayal can be more than it is towards science. Especially if the artist made an image of himself as a child-friendly, family man/woman.

Personally, I separate the work from the individual because I see the individual as a vessel, through which life, the universe, God, inspires. And any vessel/instrument, if poorly maintained, is subject to decay. Therefore I have no problem enjoying the works, fruits and successes of artists and scientists, even if they have proven themselves to be horrendous individuals; and by the same token, I value their work, and do not worship them as individuals.

Sure, we appreciate and respect their efforts, and condemn their misdeeds. But a useful and good work remains a useful and good work, regardless. With this attitude, I have no issues continuing to relate to the works, no matter what the individuals have done, since they were mere tools and vessels to begin with.

‘’All the existing arts and sciences were once hidden secrets of nature. By his command and control of nature man took them out of the plane of the invisible and revealed them in the plane of visibility, whereas according to the exigencies of nature these secrets should have remained latent and concealed.’’ – ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

But I however understand the outrage; it just seems like those who cannot separate the two, is usually because they put too much importance on the individuals/vessels/tools to begin with. But I understand the sentiment.

A scrutinising look at most ‘’great achievers’’ would uncover anything from misdeeds to downright atrocities. Does this mean the world should deprive itself of all the vaccines, and mechanics, and art, and treatments, and poetry, and films, and songs, etc…? Yours truly thinks absolutely not! And who draws the line that demarcates how good you must be at your craft, for the world to knowingly and willingly ignore your atrocities? Is there a gauge or standard measurement? Who decided it? Not the average person! And how much time must pass before their atrocities are ‘’forgiven’’ and even hailed? (See the post on ‘’time-dependent bias’’).

What they gave to the world, belongs to the masses now. It belongs to you and me. And with the masses they shall remain, and yours truly believes we can draw use from these fruits, guilt-free.

 Their atrocities, however, belong to them, and with them they shall remain. This is the only way to hold them accountable, without clouding the waters of reason and common sense, and without losing what inspiration gave US, albeit through THEM. Nobody is beyond morality. Nobody is above a principle. Nobody is exempt from the judgment of the Golden Rule, however ingenuous they may be.

In the end, aside from the Almighty Himself, EVERYONE is accountable for their thoughts, words and actions. And by the same token, everyone can be inspired to achieve and produce gems. With this in mind, let us all tread lightly along the path of righteousness, including in the pursuit of excellence, in fact, ESPECIALLY then. 

‘’The acquisition of sciences and the perfection of arts are considered acts of worship.’’ – ‘Abdu’l-Bahá