Inspiration and Humility

Yesterday, I was able to visit the Getty Center with a few friends. It is a beautiful complex that houses an incredible art collection and is free to the public. It is located on a hill with beautiful views of Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean.

I had an experience yesterday that I often have at art museums. I felt inspired. I am the first one to admit that I do not have an extensive knowledge of art history. I cannot critique the art or accurately assess its beauty. Still, I love visiting art museums.

Yesterday, as I often am, I was overwhelmed by the creative genius, excellent craftsmanship, and sacrifice it took to develop the masterpieces I was observing. The time, patience, and care poured into the art is staggering. 

Being in the presence of so much greatness inspires me. In the same moment, I am both amazed at what we are capable of creating and aware of my current deficiencies. There is a danger in becoming complacent because of this awareness of deficiency, but G.K. Chesterton provides an answer by framing what humility ought be; "[It ought be] a spur that [prevents] a man from stopping; not a nail in his boot that [prevents] him from going on."

What inspires you? Are you surrounding yourself with inspiring things, people, activities? Will you let your mind run free and dream big? Have the humility to acknowledge your current state and the inspiration to dream of a new future.

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