Coming to understand a painting or a symphony in an unfamiliar style, to recognize the work of an artist or school, to see or hear in new ways, is as cognitive an achievement as learning to read or write or add.

Summary

This quote suggests that appreciating and comprehending art forms like paintings and symphonies that are different from what one is accustomed to requires a cognitive effort similar to the skills involved in reading, writing, or performing mathematical calculations. It implies that there is a mental aspect to understanding and interpreting art, as it broadens one's perspectives and allows for the development of new ways of seeing and hearing art.

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