Meaning: The quote "Art is the final cunning of the human soul which would rather do anything than face the gods" by Iris Murdoch, a British author and philosopher, encapsulates a profound insight into the human condition and the role of art in our lives. Iris Murdoch was known for her philosophical works, particularly her explorations of morality, the human psyche, and the complexities of human relationships. This quote reflects her deep understanding of the human struggle with the divine and the ways in which art serves as a means of evasion and expression.

At the heart of this quote is the idea that art is a form of cunning, suggesting that it is a shrewd and clever endeavor of the human soul. The notion of cunning implies a certain level of craftiness and ingenuity, suggesting that art is a strategic and deliberate response to a deeper existential dilemma. Murdoch's choice of words conveys the idea that art is not merely a passive or superficial pursuit, but rather a deeply thoughtful and purposeful endeavor.

The quote also alludes to the human soul's tendency to avoid confronting the gods. In many belief systems and philosophical traditions, the gods represent a higher order or a divine presence that holds sway over human existence. Facing the gods can be interpreted as a metaphor for confronting the fundamental questions of existence, morality, and the unknown. Murdoch suggests that rather than directly engaging with these profound and often unsettling questions, the human soul turns to art as a means of evasion.

This evasion is not portrayed as a weakness, but rather as a natural inclination of the human spirit. The use of the word "rather" in the quote implies a choice or preference on the part of the human soul. It suggests that, when faced with the prospect of grappling with the divine or the uncertainties of existence, the human soul instinctively turns to art as a more palatable and accessible means of expression and exploration.

The quote's emphasis on art as the "final" cunning of the human soul suggests that, in the face of all other options or strategies, art stands as the ultimate recourse for navigating the complexities of the human experience. This speaks to the enduring and universal significance of art as a mode of communication, introspection, and transcendence across cultures and time periods.

In the context of Murdoch's broader philosophical inquiries, this quote can be seen as an acknowledgment of the profound role that art plays in mediating the human relationship with the divine and the unknown. It suggests that art serves as a bridge between the human and the transcendent, allowing for the expression of complex emotions, thoughts, and experiences that may otherwise remain unarticulated or unexplored.

Overall, Iris Murdoch's quote captures the enigmatic and multifaceted nature of art, portraying it as a cunning and purposeful response to the human soul's reluctance to directly confront the divine. It invites contemplation on the ways in which art serves as a vital means of expression, interpretation, and transcendence in the face of life's most profound questions and uncertainties.

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