Those who strive for an education after high school will quickly come to realize that there are three branches of choices to choose from. Trade focuses on things that require skilled labor such as plumbers and electricians. Then there are the sciences, which focus on understanding and intellectualizing the workings of mother nature and the world around us from the smallest subatomic particles to the largest of galaxies. Lastly, there is the Arts, the articulations and representation of the soul that uses substances from paint and paper to food and words as conduits to elaborate upon its nature.
For us choosing university, the sciences and arts are the only things focused on. Trade school, naturally, specifically focuses on the trades, but there are still different areas and sectors to go into. Picking between the arts and sciences can be a trying endeavor at the best of times, and is a choice some may find themselves debating far after it’s made. There are pros and cons to both of course, yet I personally found the alluring aspects of evolving the elaboration of my soul in all its forms slightly stronger than the pull of growing the understanding of my mind.
This is the binary of the arts and the sciences, and is one that has been of intense dialogue for centuries; the battle between dominance of mind and of soul. Regardless of where personal desire lies in picking one or the other, one cannot argue with the intrinsic nature of both. More than just their roles in society has to be weighed, most of all the ability to survive on the teachings of either respectively.
Personally, I was drawn in like a moth to flame in regards to the arts. Granted, unlike the sciences, in the field of the arts there is no guarantee of making enough money to not only support yourself but also live your dream life. However, the risk of falling financially in any field of the arts is balanced out by the chance to make unfathomable amounts of money. It comes down to competence in beating competition, and the personal authentication of the artist to make such a choice truly worthwhile. I have the confidence that I can make it in these two fields and strive for the stars while risking utter annihilation. All who choose to commit their lives to the arts take this leap, and the heft gamble doesn’t always pay off.
The sciences on the other hand, are nowhere near as much of a gamble, as employment is guaranteed and the promise of always having the financial means to sustain life are met. However, with this guarantee eliminating almost all risk of falling into ruin, there is little hope of reaching the stars. The safe bet for sure, yet its innocent qualities is why the mind is easier to live off of then the soul.
Setting aside materialistic ideologies, the dance between the mind and the soul is something I find compelling, and I have seen many dance it. In this world of rationalism and evolution we find ourselves asking more and striving to grow our minds as our understanding of reality grows with it.
In this world of light and dark, those who’ve evolved their souls can paint the beauty in it all, for beauty is always there when you commit to seeing it. Both are needed in this world of everlasting chaos. So, will you go forward, mind in hand or heart on display?
