“IF A PERSON REALIZED that everything people call happiness, love and joy was just a miscalculation based on a false premise, he’d feel a horrible emptiness inside. The only thing that could rouse him from his paralysis would be to gamble with his own fate and the fate of others. The person capable of that would be permitted anything. Truth, which for me stood as the summit of all values, was worthless to the rest of humanity.”
I am really thrilled with this book, filled with emotions and a sense of being. Despite living here and now, most people care about the afterlife, leading them into insecurity and vulnerability. The perfect trap for faith and war.
Théodore Chassériau, “Woman and Little Girl of Constantine with a Gazelle“, Oil on Wood, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
It is true that science still has not found the answer to the question of what comes after death. But religion has not either. There is no absolute answer. And this is the hardest to take ― consequently, you have to come to terms with the current short life on earth, the one and only. Therefore, many prefer to believe in the eternity defined by religions.
The self-proclaimed god on earth Hasan ibn Ali has come up with the crazy prank of building a place similar to our typical paradise vision ― with lush vegetation, a wild animal world, and beautiful girls. With the help of sleeping pills, he has put the most talented soldiers there and, to their great amazement, has proved that there is indeed a paradise. This has sparked their desire for death to come as soon as possible, which he exploits by leading a conquering march as the proclaimed prophet on earth. The drama intensifies when a soldier, Ibn Tahir, realizes the deceit.
Eugene Delacroix, “The Sultan of Morocco and his Entourage“, 1845, Oil on canvas, Museé des Augustins, Toulouse
The fact that you will be gone once and for all is really cruel. I myself wish to live again, with so many things to accomplish. But even if by chance there is a next life or eternal paradise, then it is surely more likely that I'll go there if I am trying to find a decent and peaceful life here and now. With the use of violence against others or against oneself, no 'God' can be satisfied.
Kees van Dongen, “The Young Arab“, 1910, Oil on canvas, private collection
Art works selected by art historian Sara Mueller.
Wearing: silk top&pants (Simona Lampe), white shirt (Zara), pink sandals (Michael Kors)