Time and Art
Decades ago I realised that all the truly great music, all the truly great novels – there is not enough time in one life to take them all in.
Recently, I have figured I would have to quit work to watch all of the great TV out there. The newfound quality is absolutely extraordinary.
Yet that is wrong, it is the same as how we keep buying more and more clothes and gadgets and knick knacks. More is not better. And enough is never enough.
Imagine I can read one great novel, or watch one great TV series in 30 minutes. Which means say 6 or 7 in an evening. Do I sleep any happier after reading just one great novel, or reading seven?
But I do think, at the end of a day where I was productive for society and fulfilled at work, played some rewarding sport, ate a beautiful meal, spent quality time with my family and then watched one episode of a great TV show, I would sleep happier still.
That’s most people. However, if you have the ability to create, and please others, that should be your focus (while allowing also for some of the above).
There have been many prolific authors and movie directors who keep outputting material as deep into their elderly years as they can. Clint Eastwood is a current example. These people are literally trying to put as much out there (while still quality) as they can, while they can.
There are many angles you can take, but my preferred one is to make art you are proud of, that you will stand alongside always, and make it as early in your life as you can.
If it is all you ever do, you will have a lifetime of satisfaction from it.
If you keep going, your achievement via young exuberance will be a big advantage.
Get arty early, give it a genuine go, and feel proud that you did so.