Introduction To Humanities

HUMANITIES TODAY

Meaning of Humanities: Classical studies; the study of the language and literature of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Liberal arts; the liberal arts as subjects of study, as opposed to the sciences (Encarta Dictionary, Internet).

Humanities go beyond our everyday needs to survive. It is life as we see it, hear it, and feel it. It is what our ancestors have passed on in time, and what we pass on for our children's future. Every piece of art, music, and thoughts we write down continues to move through time, and touches others in ways that they can only truly know. Humanities can show the good in life and the bad. It is a lesson taught through the eyes of others and ourselves. It shows the fun, the unique, and secrets of our past and present.

ART

Art, the window to our souls. From our ancestors to us; we paint, draw, and write to share our thoughts, feelings, and ideas. Our visual self whether it be lovely or scary, our emotions will flow. Every stroke, every scribble tells a story of past, present, or future. From before Da Vinci to modern artists, they give us a peek into their minds. Today, technology is an added source of art. Ideas are created on computers and passed to the public eye. Books and computers are just two of the examples that have been created to show us the unique works of past and modern day art.

MUSIC

Music can be many sounds that are pleasing or stimulating. Each tune, each rhythm, each pattern of sound creates an emotion for those who hear it. Right around the beginning of mankind, sound's creation of tunes began and there was an effect on life. Music tells a story with sound, whether it is musical instruments, voices, or everyday sounds around us, we can feel the pattern of music. Before electronic instruments, percussion instruments carved and shaped by man was played. Now instruments are shaped with more than a man hands. With the help of computers and tools, man forms the perfect instrument that is measured and/or weighed to perfection. Percussion instruments are still made, but now, for some years, electronic instruments have been added to make a new sound to the instruments.

Radios discovery started with Heinrich Hertz in 1887. In 1892, a Kentucky farmer and inventor, Nathan Stubblefield, publicly demonstrated wireless. Not only did he broadcast signals, but he also was able to broadcast voice and music (Rhoades). Today, for our entertainment, music is played over the radio, television, and new handheld radios. Could we live without music? Music is part of us, in some form or another. I don't think it could be possible. Even someone humming is a part of music. Music is branded in our hearts, which in some ways, helps us deal with our everyday lives.

ARCHITECTURE

Building style's and designs are the art and science of constructing a particular building, this is architecture. Using mathematics and drawing out the designs, it can take many years to complete the full task. Architecture has been used since residences, businesses, and places of worship have been needed. Architecture has come along way since the Romans and before their time. Today, computers are used to help design the architecture's creative idea. Buildings as tall as the clouds and beyond, to buildings underground; the architect explores new ideas and puts his imagination to work.

PHILOSOPHY

Truth, reality, existence, causality, and freedom; these are the basic concepts of Philosophy. Philosophers, psychologists, sociologists and many others have followed the inspiration of Nietzsche's remarkable writings and ideas. Friedrich Nietzsche, (1844 Ð'- 1900) was a strong believer in life and all that is in it. Nietzsche, others like him,