If I Were to Pose for an Oil Portrait in the Style of The Ambassadors - Essay Example

Were I to pose for an oil portrait, in the style of “The Ambassadors” by Hans Holbein, I would decorate the portrait in a far different manner. Draped behind, instead of a curtain, would be an LCD projection of the human genome. It would be in bright colors, suggesting intellectual accomplishment and illumination. We have mapped the world, but I now live in a scientific age capable of mapping the very scientific architecture of life itself. Ironically, what is large or significant is, in reality, so very small. Knowledge is in the details, and this projected image of the human genome will emphasize attention to detail. This background will further serve as the governing theme, that of scientific achievement, for the remainder of the objects in the portrait. The bottom shelf will represent the past. The shelf, though brown, is of a duller shade than the upper shelf. It is worn and splintered. Though old, the shelf is sturdy. It represents the foundation upon which the future shall forever rely. The bottom shelf contains, from left to right, a leather bound volume describing the Phoenician Alphabet, an abacus standing upright, an oversized computer mouse, and an old rabbit-eared antennae. The alphabet represents our ability to memorialize and to classify information; the abacus represents the evolution of our ability to calculate using technological innovation; the oversized computer mouse represents our ability to transfer remote persons into vast seas of information; and, the rabbit-eared antennae represents the ability to coordinate disparate scientific technologies for unified objectives-- it symbolizes reception or past successes. The top shelf will represent the future. It is wooden, too, but in the middle it is nearly transparent. The edges are varnished and a bright shade of brown. The transparency symbolizes looking into the future. This shelf will have a sculptured facial bust of an unknown person, a golden pillar with a clear glass of water on top, and a computer with legs. The objects on the upper shelf are intentionally vague. This vagueness is deliberate; indeed, it is suggesting that science can be unpredictable and surprising. The bust of the unknown person represents one person and everyone; the golden pillar and the clear glass of water represent the reality that fundamentals are too often forgotten; and, finally, the computer with legs represents the likelihood of increasing ethical and moral dilemmas as science advances. Ethics must keep pace with technological development. A race metaphor seems suitable. I am clothed in a loincloth. The reason is that despite the complexities, science is in many ways quite simple and rationale. Finding the answers may not be simple, but the laws discovered often dispel less rational myths or proffered explanations. To this end, fancy or excessive dress would cloak the quest for purity in scientific exploration. The scientist should be unbiased, devoted, and unpretentious. The nakedness is intended to symbolize this purity. Finally, I stand upon no floor; more accurately, I am levitating atop of billowy clouds. The notion is that science can help us to transcend ourselves. Science can improve our lives, and it can lift us up materially and spiritually. Aspiring to scientific achievement is a noble cause. To have as my college roommate an individual comparable to Joseph Conrad’s “Lord Jim” would be a great blessing. In a world where objectivity too often dampens the passionate embers of exploration, where thinking inside of the box is deemed professionally safer than taking intellectual chances, it would be quite advantageous in my view to have as a roommate a person knowledgeable about standard conventions while simultaneously being willing to ignore conventions in pursuit of romantic ideals or theories. Lord Jim was described by Conrad as passing “away as under a cloud, inscrutable at heart, forgotten, unforgiven, and excessively romantic. Not in the wildest days of his boyish visions could he have seen the alluring shape of such an extraordinary success.” I would treasure this type of roommate because of his broad knowledge, his adventurous and inquisitive nature, and his ultimate adherence to certain fundamental moral standards As an initial matter, Lord Jim is appealing because he is possessed of many types of knowledge. He is a seaman and skilled at navigation. He is a linguist, though not formally trained, and well-traveled. He is a botanist and a politician. He is a leader at times, and a lowly manual laborer at other times. Lord Jim is appealing, on an intellectual level, because he is curious about the world around him and able to master a variety of disciplines. It would be wonderful to have such an inquisitive and curious character as a college roommate. In addition, Lord Jim adheres to a fundamental notion of responsibility for his own actions and mistakes. He doesn’t make excuses and he doesn’t blame other people or tell lies. He is honest to a fault, and he never breaks character; at times, he may judge himself too harshly, but his sense of morality and personal responsibility is admirable. The benefits of such a relationship would be extraordinarily rewarding. Regardless of our particular courses of study, there would always be a mutual interest in other fields of knowledge and other intellectual challenges. We could discuss the feasibility of space colonization, the pros and cons of competing economic and political philosophies, and make predictions about the future. These conversations would not be inhibited; quite the contrary, they would be challenging brainstorming sessions moderated only by a firm grasp of certain theoretical fundamentals. The conversations might take place over a beer at the local pub, a baseball game as we attempt to dissect a relief pitcher’s mysterious curve ball, or as we cram for essays and exams. Lord Jim would be a constant source of illumination and a reliable and enthusiastic partner in the quest for knowledge. I can think of no better roommate for a college or university experience. Finally, there is the issue of trust. Lord Jim, despite his frequent travails, is responsible for his own actions. He is truthful and sincere. A college roommate, in addition to being intelligent and fun, must also be trustworthy, respectful, and reliable. Lord Jim is the epitome of these characteristics. Read More