The true work of art is but a shadow of the divine perfection. — Michelangelo
Every beauty which is seen here by persons of perception resembles more than anything else that celestial source from which we all are come. – Michelangelo
If people knew how hard I worked to get my mastery, it wouldn’t seem so wonderful at all. –Michelangelo
I believe that there is a single God who created everything.
I believe, since all things are created by him, that all things were first conceived by him.
I believe that since all things are conceived by him, that all things reflect him and are products of his character and nature.
A beam that keeps a roof above my head is strong; it reflects the strength of God. A swan is graceful; it reflects the beauty of God. The sun is brilliant; it reflects the splendour of God.
But I also believe that the world we see has been corrupted, and that, although it retains the character and nature of God, it has been twisted, bent and warped away from what God originally made. In all things, we see decay, corrosion, frailty, illness and death.
Therefore, the things we see are a blend from two sources, and we must study the nature of God in order to understand and make sense of the things we see, to separate the divine reflection from the dross.
The question I have is stated in the title of this post:
Why are hard things hard?
By Michelangelo’s own testimony, his art is the product of countless hours of hard work. It would have been impossible for him to sculpt and paint the things he did without this.
He who wishes to be rich in a day will be hanged in a year — Leonardo da Vinci
We know that excellence is the product of much effort; that talent requires development; that things of value are hard won. It is foolishness to think otherwise.
But why? What aspect of God’s character does this reflect – this, slow, painstaking (notice the meaning of the word – taking pains) accrual of something worthwhile?
Or is it God’s character at all? Is it perhaps a corruption of sin and death?
Why are hard things hard?
3 Responses to "Why are hard things hard?"
Good thoughts- good quotes.
I guess you need to refine/define “hard.” Do you mean time-consuming? Do you mean full of effort? But each of those questions would give rise to differing rationales for “Why is it so hard?”
Not all hardness comes from evil. Love is patient, enduring and reflects God, not evil.
Much of what is worthy takes time and effort, and we will value both.
True enough! But I think defining hard is itself sufficiently hard that it requires another post.