“What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value.” — Thomas Paine, Revolutionary & Philosopher
Perhaps in this time and age much of what we do feels rather pointless.
If we continue to think transactionally, our efforts don’t seem to measure up to the material consequences of our efforts. The rich get richer, the poor get even less than they have already. Modern comforts and technology aside, the increased productivity of the masses of people worldwide have not coincided with a better or more meaningful life. Time is shorter, more is expected, and burdens have become more plentiful.
Even for us artists, working commercially or independently, can feel so much of this financial, physical and psychological toll that it often wipes us of our creative energy. None have been spared. None can escape the demands that commerce and technology places on us under the guise of freedom and abundance. Add the inevitable arrival of A.I. displacement, one must cede to the question “why work hard?” Unfortunately, this misses the point.
“Your heart is free, have the courage to follow it.” — Line from the movie Braveheart
Follow your heart.
We know that if we chase the quick solution, we fail in the long run. If we play the mental game of the powerful, we lose. Every single time. No one goes into a rigged casino expecting to win. Hence, the common man must find a different approach. And I don’t mean escape (through entertainment, religion, or nihilism). None of that works. Why? Because we must live with the now. And the nowness of life is only tolerable when we embrace its nature, which entails foregoing the self — an unselfing. By doing so, we leave the game. We mentally don’t participate. We may work to feed ourselves or our loved ones, but we don’t do it to follow any conditioned dreams or aspirations. We don’t run after the imaginary. We follow the vibes from within.
“Hurrying and delaying are alike ways of trying to resist the present.”
― Alan Watts, Philosopher
Don’t chase but don’t delay.
Since quick success is often short success — achieved requiring little effort or sacrifice — it leaves very little impact on us. And it is the impact that matters. In fact, it makes all the difference. Mistakes, failure and dissappointment shake us, they knock us off of our feet. It’s why they are so fundamental for our understanding of not only our craft but of ourselves. When we mess up, we feel pain. But as much as getting knocked down is necessary, we musn’t let it stall us. We must do. Paralysis by analysis is a very real killer of aspirations, even if that aspiration is peace. Instead, activate your innovativeness and resourcefulness because effort matters, and so does time and persistence. It takes a long time and a series of serious failures to make us ready to learn. This has always been the point of schooling, learning how to learn. Discovery — seeing the world as it really is and learning about ourselves — may be the very point of our existence.
Finally, remember that duty is joy, as along as it serves your authentic self. Don’t do that which is against every bone in your body. Because if you do that, it’ll keep score and you’ll get sick. I’ve been there and I can almost guarantee that is exactly what’s in store for you should you betray your true self. This is something that also takes time to learn.
“The way to creativity is to dig deeper off the path of least resistance.” — David Eagleman, Scientist
We’re constantly told in a commercialized world that getting what you want is the dream, that that treasure will bring you happiness. That’s the path of least resistance, doing what you’re told. But anyone who’s been on this planet long enough realizes very quickly that all that ever leads to is disappointment (if not a bucket load of debt). When you get you older, you’ll be more precise and more particular as to where you want to spend your energy (and your resources). You’ll begin to see what really jives with you. It doesn’t mean it’ll be easy but it’ll be worth it, including every bit of the struggle and difficulty that comes with it. I’ve recently gotten back into doing calisthenics after decades away from it and I’m struggling like hell. But it’s fun. And, like with my art, I know it’s a good day when you actually look forward to your challenges ahead.
” All eternity is in the moment.” — Mary Oliver, Poet
So, don’t worry about the future, don’t worry about A.I. Such things are beyond our control. As artists, we know that we don’t outsource, we insource. We draw from our internal aspirations and uniqueness. We are driven by passion. That is what we do daily, bring out our best. Excellence, afterall, is not a state of arrival but a way of daily living.