Saturday, June 11, 2011

Tall and Skinny - A Metaphor for Life

Narrow Passage to a Secret Garden, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok


This view through a tall skinny opening, down a narrow passageway, reveals a beautiful garden. The passage is a piazza that belongs to one of Charleston's old antebellum mansions which opens along Meeting Street. Normally the doors to this mansion are closed, keeping the garden hidden from view.

You may be wondering what the rest of the mansion looks like. But if that bit of knowledge is withheld or unknown, then this narrow view becomes a kind of metaphor for human knowledge. Or more precisely, the lack of it. Because, so often our knowledge of life is limited to what we can see, what we think we know. We make decisions everyday based on our "view down the passageway." As Hamlet famously said, "There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy."
Verily I say. Verily.

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22 comments:

  1. ChristopherJune 11, 2011 at 1:58 AM

    Wonderful framing and lines Doug. Your thoughts are so true--we have such a myopic view of life and must perpetually make decisions without the luxury of full disclosure. We can only do our best with the knowledge we have. Great post!

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  2. AnonymousJune 11, 2011 at 2:19 AM

    What a high image! :)
    Interesting passage, I like the lamps too.

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  3. Frank de JolJune 11, 2011 at 2:54 AM

    Excellent, symmetrical composition with colorful ending.

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  4. AnonymousJune 11, 2011 at 3:56 AM

    It does look like a very nice garden! Must be a pleasant place.
    God bless you!
    Cezar

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  5. OlaJune 11, 2011 at 4:28 AM

    excellent!

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  6. Traveling HawkJune 11, 2011 at 5:19 AM

    Wise words! I like the metaphor the photo suggests. But I also like the very real lanterns and the promise of the secret garden...

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  7. Marie LCJune 11, 2011 at 5:40 AM

    An attractive opening on a beautiful colored garden

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  8. brattcatJune 11, 2011 at 7:43 AM

    The more we know, the more we know we don't know. Excellent post, Doug.

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  9. VPJune 11, 2011 at 11:43 AM

    A wonderful post around a beautiful image, with aa great quote to seal it all. Bravo Doug!

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  10. J_on_tourJune 11, 2011 at 12:00 PM

    Just popped over into your blog for the first time after you commented on mine.... thanks. I have to say that I am impressed with everything I have seen so far as far back as the waterfall. Although my last three posts have been about walking, the above image ... lamps, arches, repetition ... it's my kinda thing, I'll be keeping my eye on your good work o-) !

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  11. rianJune 11, 2011 at 12:38 PM

    beautiful light captured here.. i like reading the interpretation you had for it though.. :)

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  12. franzJune 11, 2011 at 3:39 PM

    clever words that go with this intriguing and enticing photo! often we THINK we know something, but only have access to a small part of the whole! have a nice weekend, doug!

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  13. OlegJune 11, 2011 at 4:24 PM

    Beautiful charming photograph! It makes me to look at some more...

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  14. UnknownJune 11, 2011 at 4:27 PM

    I would like to come in a visit the garden.
    Saldudos

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  15. john4jackJune 11, 2011 at 5:41 PM

    marvelous capture

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  16. London CallerJune 11, 2011 at 7:18 PM

    This reminds me so much of the Sukiennice in Cracow!

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  17. FriedaJune 12, 2011 at 2:23 PM

    That's a great post. The picture is such a wonderful composition!

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  18. RandyJune 12, 2011 at 9:25 PM

    Beautiful shot!

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  19. Andrew Graeme GouldJune 13, 2011 at 1:17 PM

    Love how the lamps in line lead to that inviting background scene. Clever linking of ideas from image to text...

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  20. georgeJune 15, 2011 at 2:22 PM

    ...and verily I say, that I really like this pic Doug. The light on the maples, and the glowing ceiling is lovely...enhanced of course by the long slim format.

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  21. Joop ZandJune 16, 2011 at 4:02 AM

    Very nice photo, good work Doug.

    Greetings, Joop

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  22. Hermione ValJune 16, 2011 at 3:27 PM

    Well seen Doug, it's a beautiful point of view. A+ Val

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