Why Bother With Originality?

Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring two-pence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it.

C.S. Lewis

I collect quotes and pithy sayings to share with others, fully realizing their veracity and/or utility vary greatly. Take this one by C.S. Lewis, for instance. How can we know if what he says here is really so? Who is he talking about, what is the truth he would have us tell, and what will it look like, if you or I become original? If we won’t notice it, who will tell us? Did Lewis know how original he was?

Well, I’ll leave those nagging questions about his ability to gather and analyze data for another time, because I just want to say that I really hope Jack is right! I’m into my second week of a  2 dimensional design course and, for the first time in my life, feeling very little pressure to be original. I do want to learn, grow, and improve — I want to be good! But, if I’m in the 90th percentile of unbothered artists, my art and design should become more and more original — I probably won’t notice. I’ll be having too much fun and can’t be bothered with what others think.

2 Comments

  1. Bill Ecker said:

    Bo, Just sat at my desk and Karin had been on face book. Just happened to see you .It warmed my heart just to see your pic. reminded me of some good memories and started me thinking ( dangerous! ). About two or three months ago the lord placed on my heart this little ditty, don’t make God your drug . Might sound a bit off, but just ponder it . I think people will take this in many different ways. I know what He was telling me and I think this statement causes one to reflect and that I think is always a good result in it self. I for one have been guilty of using God as a drug. I think when we do the crash is pretty hard. Well i’m not sure whether any one ever said this before but as C.S. said o well.

    Call if you ever have a bit of free time . I know for me I never can find that round toit ive been looking for.

    January 30, 2015
    Reply
  2. BoSalisbury said:

    Bill, I think that’s great ditty… we are in a relationship with God and to treat him as a drug would be like treating my wife or kids like a drug – something that can alter my mood or change my outlook for a short time, but always with consequences. God is not a vehicle or a substance to bring us joy… He is our Joy! He doesn’t merely give us treasure – He is our treasure. I’d keep thinking those dangerous thoughts!

    January 30, 2015
    Reply

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