This is part 5 of a blog series where I share some thoughts on “art and creation”. I have prepared various blogs inspired by a range of sources from Kabbalah to Artificial Intelligence. Do not expect to find definitive answers. The aim here is to raise questions and offer entertaining thoughts.

When something is not enjoyable we usually want it to end quickly. E.g. a monotonous day at work, a boring lecture, a ride in a crowded bus.

We say today that what matters is the journey, not the destination. What is enjoyable needs more time because that way the pleasing sentiment is multiplied and better appreciated. Think of a walk on the beach on a sunny day, an intriguing conversation with friends, or even a delicious meal.

When a process is enjoyable, prolonging it amplifies the pleasure derived from the process.

I think this applies to appreciating art. Isn’t this the reason why it is so popular to binge TV-series these days? People desire to take their time and immerse themselves in an aesthetic experience for as long as possible.

Creating art is the same. Gaudi devoted a good part of his life in the construction of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Why? Maybe because he was going after a creation that would be particularly unique and lasting.

Of course it is not only the length of the creative process that grants pleasure to the maker. It is also the completion of the work. However, the longer it takes to complete it, the more meticulously it is looked after and thought out, and the more rewarding its making and completion are. Maybe that is why even the all-powerful God of the Old Testament spent seven whole days in creating the world.