Episode 41 - Artistic Discontent

The brooding artist pulling greatness from the very depths of their soul; the greatest art coming from those who suffered much for their art; the haunting tragedy of artistic genius lost all too young…

As a culture we celebrate The Arts as a sign of greatness within a civilization.  The very foundations of a nation’s self identity can be based upon the great works it holds in high esteem, and the minds and hands these masterpieces sprang forth from are held in nearly hallowed regard. 

Yet, as a society reaping the benefits of this output, we seldom stop to consider the effects such pursuits have upon those who chase them.  Even as we willingly acknowledge the tendency for artists to suffer greatly for their work, starving, and even coming to desperately dark ends, we tell ourselves that artistic people are somehow “simply built like that.”

But what if the pursuit of artistic greatness itself in our society drives people into depressions, self doubt, and the very discontent we take as inevitable?
Are there hidden repercussions to oneself within the arts community as a whole?
In this episode, we delve into the topic in the hopes of uncovering lesser explored aspects of the creative process.  For better or worse!

Support the Show!
Direct Donations via PayPal - thesapientsimian@gmail.com
Patreon page - http://www.patreon.com/TheSapientSimian