This lecture explores the human relationship with the world and the role of art within it. The author critiques the notion of the world as a totality, emphasizing that it is not merely an aggregate of objects but a dynamic structure of interconnected 'own worlds' (Umwelt). Humans are presented not as passive observers but as active participants who shape reality through their practice and reflection. Art is introduced as a crucial method of 'distancing,' enabling a deeper understanding of the world and oneself. Unlike philosophy, which employs reflection, art achieves its distance through a distinct approach, thereby enriching not only the realm of art but also philosophical knowledge. The lecture also touches upon ontological assumptions, the closure of subjectivity, the nature of reflection, and humanity's relationship with non-objective reality, myth, religiosity, secularization, and science/technology.