Meaning: The quote by Robert Musil reflects on the power of good painting to captivate and transform our perception of the world. Musil, an Austrian writer known for his philosophical works, delves into the idea that art has the ability to enchant and arrest our senses, allowing us to truly see and experience the world in a profound way.

The first part of the quote, "What is the use of good painting?" poses a rhetorical question that challenges the utilitarian view of art. Musil seems to be questioning the practical value of painting, suggesting that its purpose goes beyond mere functionality. Instead, he emphasizes the transformative impact of art on our perception and existence.

"We want a spell cast upon the optical part of our existence!" This statement highlights the desire for art to cast a spell, to enchant and captivate our visual senses. It implies that good painting has the ability to weave a magical allure around our perception, drawing us into a world of aesthetic enchantment and wonder. This metaphorical language emphasizes the transformative and enchanting power of art, suggesting that it has the potential to elevate our experience of the visual world.

"We seldom really see the world, but when we do, we become as still as a picture." Here, Musil touches on the idea that our perception of the world is often fleeting or superficial. However, when we do take the time to truly see and experience the world around us, it has the effect of making us "as still as a picture." This comparison suggests that in moments of deep perception, we become as immobile and attentive as a painting, fully engaged in the act of seeing and absorbing the world around us. It implies that art has the power to elicit this profound stillness and attentiveness in our perception.

Overall, Musil's quote underscores the transformative and enchanting power of art, particularly painting, in shaping our perception and experience of the world. It challenges the notion of art as purely decorative or decorative and emphasizes its profound impact on our existence and understanding of the world. Musil's words invite us to consider the deep, immersive power of art to transcend the ordinary and elevate our experience of reality.