Illustration of (Diane Morgan as) Philomena Cunk
by Jack Hughes for Gallery 1988
Wonder, says Socrates, is the mark of a true philosopher.
In fact, philosophy has no other origin but this dizzying sense of astonishment before the universe and the manifold things that compose it. Thus, in attempting to understand the latter, one must expect one's head to spin; for objects, although alluring, are ultimately alien and perplexing in nature, rather than familiar and reassuring.
Sadly, this disconcerting, vertigo-inducing sense of wonder is, according to Ian Bogost, "all but eviscerated in modern thought". Some people speak of scientific wonder but this is founded upon a form of logic that merely furthers the will to knowledge and human conceit.
However, there remains at least one woman sick with wonder in a way that invites a detachment from ordinary logics; a woman who is permanently puzzled and beautifully bemused by the world around her - Philomena Cunk - and any torpedophiles who have not yet watched her brilliant (and hilarious) Moments of Wonder are encouraged to do so ... (begin by clicking here).
However, there remains at least one woman sick with wonder in a way that invites a detachment from ordinary logics; a woman who is permanently puzzled and beautifully bemused by the world around her - Philomena Cunk - and any torpedophiles who have not yet watched her brilliant (and hilarious) Moments of Wonder are encouraged to do so ... (begin by clicking here).
Notes
Diane Morgan is an actress, comedian and writer best known for playing Philomena Cunk: dianemorgan.co.uk
Jack Hughes is a London-based, freelance illustrator: jack-hughes.com
