Quote by George Orwell
Aesthetic enthusiasm. Perception of beauty in the external world, or, on the other hand, in words and their right arrangement. Pleasure in the impact of one sound on another, in the firmness of good prose or the rhythm of a good story. Desire to share an experience which one feels is valuable and ought not to be missed. The aesthetic motive is very feeble in a lot of writers, but even a pamphleteer or writer of textbooks will have pet words and phrases which appeal to him for non-utilitarian reasons; or he may feel strongly about typography, width of margins, etc. Above the level of a railway guide, no book is quite free from aesthetic considerations.
Summary
This quote explains the concept of aesthetic enthusiasm, which refers to the appreciation of beauty in various forms. It can be found in the external world, as in nature or artwork, as well as in the use of words and their arrangement. Aesthetic pleasure can be derived from the harmonious interplay of sounds, the skillful composition of prose, or the compelling rhythm of a story. The quote suggests that even writers who may not consciously prioritize aesthetics still have personal preferences for certain words, phrases, or visual elements. Ultimately, aesthetic considerations permeate literature, regardless of its genre or purpose.
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