Rules for Creative Living: Rule #5 — Humility

Mahatma Gandhi was the personification of humility leading his people against tyranny with non-violent civil disobedience in the 20th Century.

“A great man is always willing to be little.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson, Philosopher

What does it mean to be humble? To stay small? To accept being wrong? To not assume that you know? These are all true descriptors of humility. But humility is really about understanding and accepting the fact that we’re all extremely insignificant, both in time AND space. The billions of stars and galaxies out there and the so many unknowns (including the unknown unknowns) are a clear indicator of how incredibly miniscule we are. And since as artists we strive ultimately for objectivity, we must have proper perspective for us to find and express truth. We need to think big picture and small ego.

This is remarkably difficult for our species to do. Individually and as a society we’ve perhaps never been more narcissistic and all-assuming. We think that our meager advancements in science and technology justifies our ego-centric view of the world; electricity, nuclear weapons, computers and now artificial intelligence all seem to present a case for our superiority over other species and the universe itself. This is dangerous not only to the physical world we live in, but to each other. So it’s not surprising that, despite our bounty of material comforts and instantaneous global communication, both our communities and our environment continue to suffer. An ego-driven socio-economic system permeates almost every aspect of our lives; it’s hard to remember our place in this universe if we’re always thinking only of ourselves.

The world is a pretty big place. Do we dare to think we really know everything or anything at all?

Therefore, an artist’s creed for his behavior must include the following humbling acts:

a) A removal of pride

“Humility is nothing but truth, and pride is nothing but lying.” ― St. Vincent de Paul

Beginning with the acknowledgement of our own mortality is the first step to seeing truth.  It also serves as a reminder of what’s important and how we must honor our destiny. The individual who carries with him only pride and ego has already placed a restriction on his understanding and growth. And this lack of appreciation further limits his joy. Furthermore, being prideful, we become far too dangerously obsessed with ourselves. Then everything becomes about us, even when it isn’t. The ego, deemed so essential since the published writings of Sigmund Freud and Charles Darwin, is often a path to darkness, a path to soullessness and a loss of conscience. The world seems to have forgotten that the dominant theories of these “great” thinkers coincided precisely with the early developments of an ego-centric economic system in the late 19th Century. Given a mindset that only the self-centered, self-serving mind will survive and prosper, it’s not surprising that we’ve evolved into a world that carries with it near epic narcissism and lack of empathy. Just look at the names of our handheld devices and the “it is what it is” attitude toward injustice and impoverishment that permeates our society.

Oliver Stone’s infamous character Gordon Gekko (played by Michael Douglas in a Oscar-winning performance) in the 1987 film Wall Street. Meant as satire when the film was released, the tone here has become an accepted (and even lauded) motto of our times.

Furthermore, pride builds on the power of greed and  fear.* Altho fear can be properly taken into perspective  as an indicator of risk and confronting the unknown, it cannot be a way of living. Continued prescient fear will drive a man mad or into deep depression. (This is evident in the vast usage of drugs to treat anxiety/depression and rising rates of suicide in the past couple of decades.) Today, we idolize the power of fear as a motivator for greater achievement. Both religion and art (via its countless novels, plays and films) have warned us of the dangers of selfishness, greed and power. I personally believe there is a better alternative to carry us forward. Instead of pride, we can use professional conduct as a driver for excellence by leading with a sense of service and common care, rather than selfish achievement or aggrandizement.

(*To get a sense of how pervasive fear has become today, look no further than the words of the most powerful executive in the largest company in the world today.)

b) A respect for others

“Just remember, when someone has an accent, it means that he knows one more language than you do.” ― Sidney Sheldon, Writer

As artists, we must always remind ourselves to refrain from quick judgement and criticism especially when it’s not constructive. To assume that we know everything or anything about someone or that much about anything at all is an exercise in ignorance. Besides, putting someone else down is a very weak way of propping ourselves up. If we need a boost to our self-esteem, going for a run would be far more effective.

I alway prefer to assume that I might be wrong. Sometimes this seems to be to my detriment, but I firmly believe that without considering other options, even when we’re confident, we end up  potentially closing up our minds. This I cannot afford to do. I know the limits of my abilities and my intelligence. If we are to keep an open mind, we must be willing to listen and be willing to entertain ideas that are different from ours. It’s the very essence of being an artist — to engage in the unknown. And to do so properly requires respect for others even if we might disagree with them. It’s not surprising, after all, that it’s our detractors who might most accurately help us find the faults or deficiencies in us that we cannot readily see.

“Man in a chair” by Lucien Freud. Study the works of an artist, not for its flaws, but for its wonders.

c) A respect for the craft, the tools and the materials

“We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master.” ― Ernest Hemingway, Writer

Art — all art — is difficult to learn and to do. It’s a very humbling process being a creative person. Art has a very direct way of telling us how lacking/deficient we are. This is risky and painful. And just to do art at all means to learn and understand the use and power of the tools. Each craft has its own tendencies and challenges. In oil painting for instance, the colors of the medium — although rich and sultry — have a tendency to want to succumb to earthy darkness and gloom. Watercolors, on the other hand, want to stay light and transparent. To get lightness and freshness into his oils  and more depth and richness into his watercolors, the painter needs to understand his medium and apply them to the best advantage. A long and rich exposure to the craft and its tools is a requirement for a full and honest education. The artist needs to take time to understand all of its properties and learn to use them well. Like the native American or Japanese Shinto practitioner, he might offer humble respect and thanks to even “dead” or inanimate objects that cross his path. In return, the artist is rewarded with greater self-reflection and a joy from superior performance.

A lot of time, love and accumulated knowledge (history) goes into the making of an artist’s instrument. Never forget to give your craft and tools the highest regard.

d) A sense of gratitude for what’s come before

“Nothing is more honorable than a grateful heart.” — Lucius Annaeus Seneca, Philosopher

It’s not uncommon today to see modern day artists offering little to no respect for the creatives that have come before them. Our generation (and I include all of Generations X, Y, and Z) is one seemingly forgetful of the concept of gratitude; we are quick to blame prior generations for our current misfortunes and absent in acknowledging what’s been generously given to us. This lack of regard ironically shows in the modern artist’s work. They make their appearance via trickery, duplication and appropriation (i.e. pawning off other’s ideas as if they’re their own). All art builds on what has come before but it’s all too easy to forget that one’s teachers, mentors, and the art of now bygone artists help shape our experience.

We forget — actually we almost have no idea — how hard it is to start from scratch, to work with almost nothing, with little support to lean on and no springboard to leap off from. Perhaps we feel no need to learn from history, to study (and pay homage to) the art of others, or to do all that hard “dated” work that strengthens the fundamentals. But from carpentry to filmmaking we’re witnessing a remarkable lack of originality and an accumulation of a whole lot of poor quality disposable product. I suspect this is what happens when we don’t respect and study the past. In contrast, the artist who respects and honors his predecessors is less susceptible to folly. Because he’s well-studied, he uses prior knowledge — prior experience — as a springboard for greater understanding and expression. He works to produce better products for broad use or individual expression. How he does things becomes as important as what he does. And his acknowledgement of those who’ve come before him allows for a maturity in his own development as it opens his eyes to the continued growth of the craft itself. He becomes a steward of the craft and not an owner.

Where would animation be without the contribution of Disney’s Nine Old Men

Summary:

Without humility we cannot advance. We also end up throwing away everything we’ve learned from previous generations because we can’t possibly hold onto something we deem unworthy of our attention or respect. But if we remember that our understanding is limited and that our place and time on this earth is rather small and short, our problems and insecurities fade. Then we can return to what’s important again: our work and our connections to this world and its past. And this requires an abolishment of our ego every time it surfaces.

“Humility is throwing oneself away in complete concentration on something or someone else.” ― Madeleine L’Engle, Writer

Up Next:

Rules for Creative Living: Rule #6 — Detachment

Rules for Creative Living: Rule #4 — Discipline

Neither old age nor incapacitation was enough to stop this master from working. For Matisse, art was his life.

“Work cures everything.” — Matisse, Painter

The topic of discipline has been discussed in detail here already. We KNOW it’s important. And we could all use MORE of it. Then why do we still fail and fail so often in this department? The answer is entropy. In other words, it’s not your fault, but if you don’t want your behind kicked, you better think, work and battle.

“Extinction is the rule. Survival is the exception.” — Carl Sagan, Scientist

So, instead of re-emphasizing the value of discipline, we’ll talk about how we might get better at it — how to actually become more disciplined.

a) First, think about it in the right way.

Arnold Schwartzeneggar, seen here in the entertaining documentary Pumping Iron. Each repetition takes one closer to the desired result.

“Self-discipline is self-caring.” — M. Scott Peck, The Road Less Traveled

It’s critical to think of discipline in the right way. Not as a chore but as an opportunity. So that each time we do it, it strengthens who we’re supposed to be; it honors our truth. Knowing that every small action we take going forward — doing everything we can and everything we’re supposed to do — brings us one step closer to our dreams. Discipline is, in a way, remembering what you want. How is that not a positive and startling truth that inspires you to grab life by the collar?

b) Be deeply interested in things.

A page from one of Vincent Van Gogh‘s letters to his brother Theo. One of the most beautiful collections I’ve ever read, Van Gogh’s writings reveal with aching beauty what he saw and felt during his short journey on this earth.

“All excellent things are as difficult as they are rare.” — Baruch Spinoza, Philosopher

Being interesting  — “being interested in things” — is rare. Very few people in this universe are truly disciplined enough to show a deep interest in anything. Looking at our heroes, what’s one factor above all that separates them from the pack? (hint: it’s not talent). That’s right, it’s their level of interest. The individual that is happier, more successful, living and doing what he loves and is really good at it, is someone who’s intensely passionate and thus completely devoted to his craft/cause.  And that attitude of appreciation — which takes effort — permeates their entire being. The average mind is opposite; he’s lackadaisical, passive and even negligent towards most matters not immediately tied to his current obligations or pleasures. To him, his work/craft is like a light jacket he puts on and takes off easily. In contrast, the creative wears a much heavier coat or, perhaps more accurately, one that rarely comes off at all because it’s a part of him. He’s deeply interested in things and often times MANY things. He need not pursue or excel in them all, but he offers deep respect for each. Everything interests an interesting mind.

c) Know that you’ll get both short AND long term gratification.

Illustrator/artist Normal Rockwell seen here in his painting studio. Working on his craft brought him joy and meaning each and everyday.

“Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, magic, and power in it. Begin it now.” — W. H. Murray, Writer

What’s amazing about discipline is that once it’s engaged, we immediately feel good. We’ve made a deal with ourselves and kept it. How incredibly gratifying! How simple!  And as these short-term gains mount day-in and day-out, our dedication molds our minds into towers of mental-emotional strength. Success and feelings of success is incredibly motivating. Knowing that we’ll feel that much better should we proceed, fighting off what writer Steven Pressfield calls resistance, is often the push we need to get over the hump.

d) Use it to measure priorities.

A page from the beautiful sketchbooks of Illustrator/artist James Jean. Jean draws and creates anywhere and everywhere. The pleasure in the process is evident in every pen stroke.

“Resistance is directly proportional to love. If you’re feeling massive Resistance, the good news is that it means there’s tremendous love there too.” — Steven Pressfield

All great things require work, so it’s not surprising that to contribute greatness for ourselves or society requires an equally great contribution from our personal being. Once something requires serious discipline, we KNOW immediately that it’s high priority. In fact, the amount of discipline required is often proportional to how important it is to take action. If we love something, we’ve got to work for it. After some experience living, I can honestly say I personally wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s one less decision to make.

e) Check and see periodically where you are.

“A jug fills drop by drop.” — Buddha

Like a master tracker in the forest, it’s both wise and practical to see if you’re on course.  To track, chart & reward success is extremely important. No matter what it is — exercise, artistic development, social behaviour,  etc — it can be recorded and assessed in some sort of manner. The scientific method is built on such objectivity. With a visual record of monitoring the trend, we can put both the negative influence of fear and anxiety into positive use. For example when I don’t draw/paint for a few days I feel very antsy, but when I see objective confirmation of my lack of activity, I get really perturbed — often enough to stop everything that I’m doing at the moment to go create. When it comes to discipline, consistency is everything.

f) Take a “no matter what” approach.

A hero to so many Martin Luther King Jr. was a testament of what it means to be disciplined, to live each day according his principles.

“I have so much to do today, I will need to spend another hour on my knees.” — Martin Luther King Jr.

Doing the right thing even when you’re tired, even when you’re hurting. Even if things get too busy, even if you missed the schedule and think it’s too late. Even when people aren’t watching. DO IT ANYWAYS. No more needs to be said.

Summary:

So if you want to be invisibly chained to the all-too-common sickness of inconsistency, complacency and conformity, then by all means ignore the Rule of Discipline. But if you want to raise your odds of living a better and more inspired life — a life committed to excellence and consistency, the kind achieved by numerous creatives despite mankind’s tumultuous history  — then the ONLY OPTION is to abide by it.

“Some people regard discipline as a chore. For me, it is a kind of order that sets me free to fly.” — Julie Andrews, Actress

Up Next:

Rules for Creative Living: Rule #5 — Humility