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A Lesson About Art, Enjoyment, and Fulfillment from Kurt Vonnegut (author)

Ed Seith

Supreme Galactic Overlord
Staff member
Legend+
  • Nov 11, 2019
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    In 2006 a high school English teacher asked students to write a famous author and ask for advice. Kurt Vonnegut was the only one to respond - and his response is magnificent:
    “Dear Xavier High School, and Ms. Lockwood, and Messrs Perin, McFeely, Batten, Maurer and Congiusta:
    I thank you for your friendly letters. You sure know how to cheer up a really old geezer (84) in his sunset years. I don’t make public appearances any more because I now resemble nothing so much as an iguana.
    What I had to say to you, moreover, would not take long, to wit: Practice any art, music, singing, dancing, acting, drawing, painting, sculpting, poetry, fiction, essays, reportage, no matter how well or badly, not to get money and fame, but to experience becoming, to find out what’s inside you, to make your soul grow.
    Seriously! I mean starting right now, do art and do it for the rest of your lives. Draw a funny or nice picture of Ms. Lockwood, and give it to her. Dance home after school, and sing in the shower and on and on. Make a face in your mashed potatoes. Pretend you’re Count Dracula.
    Here’s an assignment for tonight, and I hope Ms. Lockwood will flunk you if you don’t do it: Write a six line poem, about anything, but rhymed. No fair tennis without a net. Make it as good as you possibly can. But don’t tell anybody what you’re doing. Don’t show it or recite it to anybody, not even your girlfriend or parents or whatever, or Ms. Lockwood. OK?
    Tear it up into teeny-weeny pieces, and discard them into widely separated trash receptacals. You will find that you have already been gloriously rewarded for your poem. You have experienced becoming, learned a lot more about what’s inside you, and you have made your soul grow.

    God bless you all!"
    Kurt Vonnegut


    The lesson? Create the art for yourself first. Experience the joy of creating something from nothing, for the pure joy of it.

    Have a great day, peeps!
     

    Ed Seith

    Supreme Galactic Overlord
    Staff member
    Legend+
  • Nov 11, 2019
    3,882
    15
    6,603
    54
    Marana, AZ USA
    soundcloud.com
    35
    Any time, brother. I needed it too, and that's why I decided to share it. It's easy to get so caught up in our natural inclination to compare and compete that we forget the part that's most important - the joy of expression and creativity, just for itself.
     
    Synner Endless Summer Collection

    KatherineEL

    New Student
    Jan 5, 2024
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    0
    Exploring Kurt Vonnegut's insights on art, enjoyment, and fulfillment is a captivating journey that resonates with the soul. Vonnegut's wisdom transcends mere brushstrokes and words; it's a profound revelation on the essence of creation. His perspective encourages us to embrace the chaotic beauty of our individual expressions, fostering a genuine connection between the creator and the created. This lesson is a beacon, guiding us towards the liberating realms of artistic joy. If you're eager to delve deeper into this transformative discourse, check out the enlightening essays available at https://essaypro.com/essays-for-sale . Each word penned is an invitation to discover the boundless landscapes of creativity and self-discovery.
     
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    Tonymontana

    New Student
    May 29, 2024
    1
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    Yo, just read that thread about Kurt Vonnegut’s take on art enjoyment and fulfillment. The dude had some real wisdom, saying art isn't just about making money or fame, but about doing what makes you happy and fulfilled. Totally agree, sometimes you gotta do things for yourself, you know?