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We’ve delegated the larger part of our days on earth to consuming what someone else has created. [...] I told him my favorite example of those who “figure it ou
by icanhackit 9y ago
We’ve delegated the larger part of our days on earth to consuming what someone else has created. [...] I told him my favorite example of those who “figure it out” are rappers who are criticized for being talentless but still rake in millions. Who cares if they’re talentless (by someone’s standards)? At least they are still CREATING something! Lil Wayne [...] has released 1,747 songs
So the idea is make lots of stuff, but avoid consuming all of the stuff that other people create...though should everyone follow this ideology it would be infeasible to make content prolifically because it relies on consumption to drive the next creation.
Is there a middle ground, like practice your creativity prolifically but only publish your best so that the world is inspiring rather than a mire of half thought-out, tepid excrement? Maybe all of this shit clogging up the TV and internet is what leaves the masses drooling on themselves.
- kqr 9y agoI think you'll find that the most successful authors will tell you that key to their success was reading a lot written by other people.
- closeparen 9y agoOne of my favorite lessons from Ira Glass's lecture circuit: ideas come from other ideas. The first step to producing high quality content is surrounding yourself with high quality content.
- roceasta 9y agoExactly. Writers must read 1000s of books, singers must listen to 1000s of songs, and so on. Even for those who don't create additional content, it's impossible to 'consume' culture without creative engagement. Nobody can pour content into his head: http://www.jfallen.org/wordpress/2015/04/12/the-bucket-or-the-searchlight/ http://www.jfallen.org/wordpress/2015/04/12/the-bucket-or-th...
- xaedes 9y ago"though should everyone follow this ideology" I dont think everybody should follow ONE and the same ideology at all. Diversity is key
- ehnto 9y agoI don't believe this advice is aimed at everyone. There will always be consumers and creators will also inevitably consume. I think the advice is to simply be aware of it and make the decision to consume or create consciously. Find a balance that makes sense to you and aligns with your goals. I think even great minds have fallen prey to the dopamine treadmills of modern media consumption. The article serves as a nice reminder that we should hop off that treadmill when pertient, for some people, that is forever. For others, maybe just when there is a deadline due.