Seeing for oneself, which imagination and reverie encourage, is not merely convenient (there isn’t always a helpful guide to hand). Seeing something for oneself helps to make the experience matter personally. From an austerely rational point of view, the difference in genesis (seeing for yourself or having something pointed out by another) ought not to make any difference. After all don’t you end up with the same perception? But we know perfectly well that in many areas of existence personal discoveries have a savour and intimacy which is rarely matched by what we learn from others. Even though we need others to point out some things, it is a loss if they don’t leave room for our own discoveries. The value of personal discovery lies in the fact that not only do we arrive at a helpful conclusion, but that we have experience of how the conclusion was reached. We gain acquaintance with the process of coming to see. (page 78)
John Armstrong, Move Closer: An Intimate Philosophy of Art
mindful museums 