Full Idea
Art is not only a means to good states of mind, but, perhaps, the best and most potent that we possess; …there is no state of mind more excellent or more intense than the state of aesthetic contemplation.
Gist of Idea
Aesthetic contemplation is the best and most intense mental state
Source
Clive Bell (Art [1913], II.III)
Book Reference
Bell,Clive: 'Art' [nk 2010], p.41
A Reaction
Why does intensity make it good? It is pretty intense being involved in a road accident, but that doesn't make it good. There are many states of mind we enjoy or value highly, but we need more than that to prove them objectively 'excellent'.