Renowned Harvard University linguist and cognitive psychologist Steven Pinker provides a perceptive viewpoint on the ways in which various artistic mediums relate to particular facets of human perception and comprehension. According to his perspective, every form of artistic expression draws on distinct aspects of our linguistic or sensory capacities.

For example, because music works closely with our auditory system, it has a profound effect on us personally. A vast array of emotions and memories can be evoked by the subtleties that our ears pick up, such as pitch, rhythm, and tone, which then activate our brain's processing systems. In a similar vein, visual art forms like painting and sculpture rely significantly on our visual perception to evoke emotions and communicate ideas.

Poetry and literature, on the other hand, rely more heavily on language itself, including its structure, meaning, and sound. Through storytelling or philosophical investigation, these literary works employ words to evoke strong feelings in readers, conjure up vivid mental images, and delve into intricate subjects.

Consider our sensory systems as various entrances to a magnificent mental home to better understand this idea. While visual art grants access to our visual chambers, music opens the door to our auditory room. However, poetry and literature enter through the language wing, where words become keys that open innumerable rooms, each containing its own special treasures of emotion and thought.

By highlighting these differences, Pinker invites us to recognize how diverse forms of expression touch on various aspects of what it is to be human, enhancing our experiences in ways that are particular to each of us.