Or artists in general?
I’m sure this is not your usual Saturday type of post, and I could easily answer with another question: who isn’t? And then I could go back to writing and stuff.
Instead, I’m going to write an actual post. About crazy writers. And stuff.
Here goes nothing.
One of my favorite definition of insanity goes like this:
“Insanity is doing the same thing, over and over again, but expecting different results.”
What do writers do, over and over again? We procrastinate… uhm… write. Yes, that’s the answer. And painters paint, musicians play their instruments, sculptors sculpt. And we do so over and over again.
It’s called perseverance, and it’s responsible for artists actually getting stuff done. And according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary (and the movie Hitch), perseverance is:
“continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition.”
You could rightfully say that you can persevere without doing the same thing over and over again, but trying different methods of achieving your goal.
Maybe.
But the routine is pretty much the same. You sit at a desk and you write.
I think some people think of artists as crazy folks, because most of them are prone to addictions and depression, and they usually lead a pretty eccentric (or ascetic) lifestyle.
But it’s not a rule or a requirement, and I’m sure that most artists live a pretty normal life.
What I’m inclined to believe though is that artists see things differently. The see the world in a way most people are either incapable or unwilling to see it. In a way, they’re observers.
And we feel strongly about things that most people don’t even care about, we take our time admiring the beauty of life. Maybe that’s a nice definition: artists are crazy because they’re passionate about life.
Perhaps it’s difficult to stay sane in a world like this one, especially when you take in so much, when you seem to observe and absorb too much at the same time.
I strenuously believe we’re all a bit mad. We’re neither equals, nor the same. And we want what we want and we do what we have to do, and we all have our regrets. We don’t live in a black and white world, we never did.
So maybe we all have our moments of insanity, when we feel that life’s not fair, when all we want to do is roll over and die. Or set the world on fire.
Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.
Brilliant.
All artists want to change the world. Lie to yourself all you want, lie to me or to everyone you know, but deep down you know it’s true. Some of us never have the courage to purposefully try to change the world, but we still hope that we might.
And normal people don’t think like that, don’t wish for that. Normal people tend to be realistic; and realists want a better job, a bigger house, a faster car. They want stability more than anything else.
But what do we want?
We want to become great at what we do, we want to change the world, to fight against an evil we can’t see. We want to leave something behind, we want to build great things that will last forever. We want to live our lives in such a way that our names will endure long after our bones have turned to dust.
All artists are idealists. Maybe that’s crazy, maybe it’s not, but I do know one thing: crazy or not, the world needs us. Like they say, without art Earth would be just “eh.”
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Spot-on assessment of creative people. My brother sees a ham and cheese sandwich. I see cool color swatches and fun shapes mashed together.
You really got it right!…so here's to the not so normal people who write, paint, play music, do arts!
Maybe Cristian, we're crazy, but like you say, "crazy in a good way".
Thank you :)
Wow! Were you just reading my mind? Awesome post, as usual Christian. :)
Thanks Christian. I re-posted this on my FBook (unfortunately it is not viewed by enough people to change the world). I introduced it with the following:
"This isn't political. This gives some description of me. Some. Enough to make me smile as I read it; not for my appearing within the words. For the idealism . For the inspiration, for what I will write because of this."
I will write in response. I wonder at times if this could be a worthwhile theme, 'in response to, life?' Ah, another blog hits the growing collection of drafts.
Thanks again :-) Johnny
how dp you know they can't change the world? or even your city? maybe if you could agree on a common guerilla propagand or direct action plan you could?
I would add that artists/writers/dreamers look at stuff and see potential – art, stories, characters, life-changing processes. As you said, it's not about the stuff in life that makes it worthwhile, it's about the life in the stuff that makes the dreams worth pursuing.
Great article. I enjoyed it. You made me think, and that's good. Myself, I would ask the question, Are Writers Delusional?
*I'm crazy and I know it!* :D
Exactly!
Amazing post, Christian!!! You portrayed us artists perfectly!!! And I wouldn't want it any other way!
Feeling that way just now…
Agree with every word
I find that, often, being a writer is like being the passenger in a car. I sit and watch this driver take me here, there, everywhere, never knowing quite what his agenda is, but never wanting to ask, and risk distracting the driver. Often I am taken places I would never purposely drive myself, but am, nonetheless in awe of the scenery.
Brilliant analogy. It does feel that way, doesn't it? That we can't control where life takes us, but we can do whatever we want with our art. That's when we are free, when we can control the outcome, when we can bend or break rules as we please.
Love this! Thank you for putting it so brilliantly! :)
Wow, is that a sense of pride I feel? I am grateful to be among the crazy! Being normal would drive me the other kind of crazy! :)
"In the realm of ideas everything depends on enthusiasm… in the real world all rests on perseverance."
-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
:)
I LOVE THIS!! What a great piece Christian!! You did good!! Thanks for explaining us all in a nutshell!! (interesting that I use nut with reference to crazy! LOL!) Have a terrific day! :)
I also have a sister who's an artist, I got non of the talent. It's like to separate worlds. I would love to spend a day in her head.
I read this book a while ago, written by a neuroscientist. It's "The Madness of Adam and Eve : How Schizophrenia Shaped Humanity." In this book, Horrobin provides evidence of how great thinkers and creators throughout history were directly related to people who suffered from schizophrenia and other forms of madness, along with other evidence of how creativity is linked with madness. The underlying argument is that "madness," even clinically defined and even if it is not wholly expressed in an particular individual, is instrumental in helping society to advance and to progress. As you mentioned, artists seem to be able to perceive in different or multiple ways. I don't know if this is personally good for artists. To be able to observe or absorb more seems to lend certain people to drinking, drugs and engaging in behaviors to numb their overloaded senses. Thanks for the post. I enjoyed it.
This really, really hit me deep man, and made me feel a little better about the world. Thanks for that. :) x
Quite encouraging. Thank you for taking your Saturday time to write and share this.
Being a writer is like nothing….and the comparisons are futile…absolutely…writing is sharing..and nothing is shared unless not belived…so yes,writers are crazy….
It is funny, my fellow writer, that you wrote this post today. I can tell you how many times I say that I feel crazy – a slow, unwind of an invisible string. I don't know if we suffer or are sane but our craft is our passion and some of the time nothing else matters except writing. I thrive on words and get lost in thought and dream a variety of things that are insane and not of this world – I struggle to be normal, let alone – (sorry) WTH is normal??
I'm sharing and reblogging this post because as artists – we're starving for sanity or acceptance that we are merely unique not insane!
Most writers really aren't crazy at all. Most of them just plug away writing while living ordinary, boring lives. But our favorites–our celebrities–are crazy. We like people whose personal lives entertain us, and so that's who they talk about. Ever heard the one about the writer with the stable marriage and the two successful children? I didn't think so. Not much of a story, is it?
Beautiful words… of course, some of us, artists or not, are crazy – and crazy in ways that put us at risk of causing injury or damage to others, or the world around us. Legendary greatness is paired with notorious madness often enough to cause the rest of the world to make assumptions about the sanity of the creative in general. lol. There's some room to move in 'embracing the gap' between our actual sanity – generally intact – and the perception we may be mad; that's a lot of freedom to play with perception and meaning. :-)
Nice first post to read on a pleasant Saturday, thank you!
love the post! a I also believe that writing can literally kick in the inner madness.
The difference is that writers can actually control it.
About the lifestyle..well something gotta give;)
of course i love this! "All artists are a little bit crazy,' is a quote that introduces my home page! A friend uttered that to me once, and i am honored to be a part of a unique group of people that rejoices in being different!
great post, and don't you ever change!
z
Great post – persistent craziness sums it up!
I'm eccentric not crazy!
But seriously, as always always, well said.
If artists and writers are crazy, I hope the whole world becomes a little more "mad". Without us creative people this world just wouldn't be as cool to live in :3 high five for the determined crazies!
Brilliant. I started writing on a blog like… 3 years ago. It's been sporadic but recently I've started writing more and more. I lack a lot of skill… and sometimes I read posts like this and I wonder why I even try.. but posts like this inspire me to keep writing. Great words. I'm so inspired today. Thank you.
And I bet most of us knew we were different at a young age. It was always a struggle to tear myself away from my bedroom where I'd be holed up with a notebook and pen, books, music, etc. to hang out with my friends. Still is, actually. It's a balancing act, that's for sure.
I am the King of Procrastination. I am a former member of the US Olympic Procrastination Team. I'll take anyone on in a procrastination contest. But maybe we should hold off on that.
Blessed are the weird,
the poets and the misfits
the writers and the mystics
the heretics, painters and troubadors
for they teach us to see the world through different eyes
Every one of us is a little weird in our our weird way, those who can live with it and express it are pretty special :)
Thank you for pointing this out! I've always loved to read and write, but never considered myself an artist! I have a friend who is a wonderful portrait artist and a daughter who designs beautiful jewelry, but I never put myself in that category! What a great new outlook on life!!
Hi) I like your article. And I think the each artist can change the world. No, not like that. Each artist changes the world by own decision. Even when he or she does't want to do it, this decision will change the world. The may thing from my point of view is not in the courage. It is in the recognition of own responsibility for the people around, for the own gift (and ability to create is a great gift), for the future of close and not very close people. The person needs courage only to accept this responsibility and live with it.
Beautifully written, we indeed have to be " different " to lead such a crazy life and never give up on the notion of being recognized one day!
Feels…so many feels. I'm a bit embarrassed to admit that there were tears in my eyes because I've never had a stranger describe me so well without even knowing me. Thank you for this!
Would it make you feel less embarrassed if I told you that it happened to me as well? But I just think it's good when that happens; makes me feel as if I'm not as lonely as I thought.
Well done. My ex-husband, who is not artistic or creative, used to talk about how all artists/musicians are crazy. He said it as an insult. Well, I like some crazy, and I'm glad I'm single.
Amen
Of course, writers are crazy.
an intriguing post Cristian, if realism is wanting bigger and better material things it seems to me that sanity has little to recommend it. I'm a teacher by profession and although I don't set out to change the world, I like to think that I make a positive difference in the lives of those I teach. Does that make me insane? if so I'm with you that it isn't a bad thing. I prefer to think it makes me human and perhaps real artists are just a little more human than the rest of us.
There's a fine line between genius and insanity; a line that all artists yearn to erase (while not really comprehending which side of the line they're on ;))
Interestingly, I've wondered if writer's are a little crazy…
Thanks for answering my question…
Great minds do think similarly.
That's a virtual lol snicker.
Bojenn
We have to be a little crazy. But it's a good crazy. Btw, has anyone ever pointed out to you that you say, "And stuff" a lot? It's cute.
Actually, no, but I do say "and stuff" a lot.
Disagree. We do the same thing over and over – then edit/rewrite and get DIFFERENT results. Great read. Well done.
"And we feel strongly about things that most people don’t even care about…" This made me laugh, it's so very, very true. Sometimes they're things that other people SHOULD care about of course, but just as often they're not. I suppose wisdom would lie in an artist being able to make that distinction before they start beating their readers over the head with it, eh?
Thanks Cristian! What I feel is that I want to help. If I'm known for it, that's okay, but the point is that artists want everyone to know what they know. That's my spin on it. :)
I knew I wasn't crazy for thinking that I'm… crazy.
Great read. Enjoyed it!
As a sociologist and writer, I really think that everyone has crazy streak but some try to conceal it whereas others flaunt it. Do you know anyone who isn't at least a bit crazy? One had to be crazy to survive in this crazy world of ours.
I'm sure I – and other writers – are a bit crazy. i don't think I want to change the world – really – I want to understand it. Or myself at least. And I doubt I ever will, but through the writing I keep trying. So that's probably a bit crazy!! :)
Lots and lots of truth and resonance in this post for me – thanks!
No one ever accused me of being sane.
"And we feel strongly about things that most people don’t even care about, we take our time admiring the beauty of life." That is so true. When one of my cats kills a bird, or even an insect it affects me deeply. Most people aren't like that. I am not sure why. Some of us just feel things that others could care less about. If I could just transfer that passion into a bestselling novel, all my dreams would come true, right?
I know I'm crazy, I'm just not sure what kind of crazy I am.
A very nice post Cristian. Thank you for writing it. :)
I worked in social work for 15 years and, as a writer, I would say that fiction writers are more-or-less functional schizophrenics. My own experience is that characters drive a story, but I don't create my characters. I build the world they live in, but they create themselves. Frequently, they're just sort of talking inside my head and that's how I am introduced to them. They dictate to me what they will (and will NOT) do. I can't make a gentle character kill someone and I have yet to make a warrior take a submissive position. No matter how much I think the story would be better if this or that character did something I want, my characters will not be forced to act differently from how they are. The writing falls flat if I try to force it. It's a struggle to write against them and if I do get something written, my alpha readers inevitably say "uh, this isn't … well … very good."
So, are we crazy? That's a difficult concept. The mentally-ill people I know do not interact with reality well. They have voices in their heads that are truly distracting and something destructive. The writers I know have jobs, families, lives … they don't act like the schizophrenics I know. So, we aren't mentally ill. But we definitely have something going that is very different from "ordinary" people.
I'm crazy. :P love this post.
Very nice piece you got here. :-) I always thought that I have this burning desire to change the world, and actually alter it's existence, and the people living in it. Call me crazy, yes, but end of the world things attract me. For the longest time people were despising me.
But right now, because I consistent do what I do, what we do–write, read, digest, ingest, observe, spread love (ignore the last one)–we become masters.
We become our own heroes, we become immersed in ourselves… how awesome we trtuly are and how cool it is to see things in different perspectives.
Writers are kids forever… wouldn't you agree Christian? :-)
“Continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition.”… I get your drift… and I only found one miss spelled word… and ya know I like it ;> It is the feeling that if we really turned on the light all the way… we would be a Tesla coil … so we let a little electricity out at a time… we write it… and I will be a little contrary here. I feel like maybe the world is asleep most of the time, and most people are insanely asleep… and it is up to writers to wake them up, as I know that a few good writers have done (and still do) for me…wake me up to creative possibilities… but also it is in our DNA…
Good read! Feel better already…let's go change the world!
"All artists are idealists"? I wish that was so, but I have known many who get easily depressed and frustrated and are difficult to be around. However, you are absolutely right in saying that the world needs artists. The best ones (the ones who have endured over time) are largely those whose "creative Juices" are inspired by the Creation around them. Earth an "eh"? Never!
thank you for being a genius!
I certainly agree that artists specialize in seeing things in unique ways, but I hesitate to call it "crazy" and associate it with, as you said, "addictions and depression," because many artists DO experience actual "craziness" and it's not artistic or creative or inspiring at all. It's very real and very serious and, unfortunately, very much a part of artistic history and the artistic community.
So even though society and art frequently appropriate and over-simplify and idealize "crazy" and "madness" and whatnot, I would expect more from us artists who strive to see the world in a more compassionate and honest way.
Loved this one! :)
This is just spot-on! I can only be insane.
Great post, Christian. Could it really be true that artists see and feel life in a different way? Perhaps you are right. You are certainly right when you say that most other people probably are so busy getting on with the realities of life that what concerns the artist is of little interest to them. Does that mean that we artists form our own collective audience, we are doing it for ourselves and for each other? Surely not. Perhaps we are doing it for the others too, those who don't do it for themselves, though I think they could if they tried.
We are all creatives, aren't we? We are all human and being human necessarily means that we are creative.
Thought provoking as usual.
Crazy, crazy is me, Oh joy, I can be free!
Reading this just reminded me of this poem by Dawna Markova (I think you'll like it if you're not familiar, see below), and I agree with you wholeheartedly. Artists live in their hearts, not in their head, choosing to see and experiencing the world with its incredible beauty can bring incredible pain. It's all worth it, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
I will not die an unlived life
I will not live in fear
of falling or catching fire.
I choose to inhabit my days,
to allow my living to open me,
to make me less afraid,
more accessible,
to loosen my heart
until it becomes a wing,
a torch, a promise.
I choose to risk my significance;
to live so that which came to me as seed
goes to the next as blossom
and that which came to me as blossom,
goes on as fruit.
~Dawna Markova
Cristian – LOVE this post! I know I've been different from a lot of others, but I always chalked it up to growing up in the late 60's. Now I can blame seeing things others don't and my yearning for an idealistic world is because I am an artist. And it looks like I have a lot of company in the blogging world.
The quick answer is yes. The longer answer takes time that I don't necessarily have right now.
Inspiring – thank you :)
We are a bit neurotic in some way, especially poets. And Hemmingway was neurotic too. And Faulkner. Oh the heck with it. Yeah, we're all a little crazy.
Not writing would be a greater case of insanity! Great post–Thanks!
In my "past life" I played the bodhran in a Celtic band with some very talented people. If you ask me how the experience was I will tell you the most important thing I learned. The more talented the musician, the crazier they are. Me, I am more or less sane, much less talented.
In fact, I do agree. When we're kids, we have this burning ambition to conquer the world, and we assume that the world has nothing against us taking what we consider to be rightfully ours. Whether we want to become artists or astronauts or cops or whatever, as young and naive as we are, we do believe wholeheartedly in our dreams.
So, I guess you're right. Artists are just kids who forgot to grow up.
It's good to be crazy :)
here's to the crazy ones! actually it's them crazy people who end up changing the world. great post. carry on! :)
they sort of are…now i am wondering if i am crazy….hmmmm
I think we see the world differently…I also think we sometimes see it the way we want it to be, through our writing. And we definitely escape from it while we write. And that might be its own brand of insanity…
Great article, Cristian….duly blogged, tweeted, faced, googled, linked, tumbled and stumbled :)
Thomas
http://thomasrydder.wordpress.com/
Cristian – I am deeply in awe of your talent as a writer and your courage to tackle the truth at this thorny level.
Please allow me to reply to your post with a poem that I recently wrote
don’t negotiate
the machine is there to roll
to take its unholy toll
to make you victim or evil
in both ways you’re owned
locked and imprisoned
in your very own free will
your virtue is but a whore
your peace is but a war
your alms are washed ashore
on the land of hate
build a new system on love
don’t negotiate
You have written what I knew but never really knew before you wrote.
Seriously, there is only room for one crazy person in my head. Oh who am I kidding…I have a lot of crazy people living in my head. Wonderfully accurate description of the artist.
Yes writers are crazy….and proud! :D
Well, as a firm believer in the fact that rewriting doesn't actually exist, I'd have to say that you may be wrong.
Normal is Blaaah! … bring on the crazy people…they much more fun!!! … besides what would normal people have to talk about if there were no more crazy people. There lives would be even more Blah blah boring! … lol …
Ooh interesting… See, I want to *be* the driver, that's why I write. I don't want to be shown places (not that I don't enjoy other books and movies) but I want to be the one to pick the route and steer my passengers down the road less taken. Now I just need to find a car big enough to cram my readers in there with me. :)
Who in the world needs a sane person ?!
I'm crazy and I know it. Writer in the future insha-allah :)
Reblogged this on B.R. Mt. and commented:
Read this.
We (writers) want to be heard and share our stories so they can be appreciated among the masses.
Cristian- you said it. I have met many 'crazy' people and through their craziness I can glimpse another view of the world. Many characters I have written can be seen to have adopted some of these views. I agree without us the world would be a little 'blah'.
A wonderful post. I feel inspired this morning. Thank you for visiting my blog and the like on 2:00am text.
You hit the nail on the head when you said:
“And we feel strongly about things that most people don’t even care about, we take our time admiring the beauty of life”
and
“And normal people don’t think like that, don’t wish for that. Normal people tend to be realistic; and realists want a better job, a bigger house, a faster car… But what do we want? We want to become great at what we do …”