Writers, for the most part, are known to be a little weird. But I was thinking about this the other day, writers, on paper, are weird. I don’t mean that the people moving the pen, the typewriter or the keyboard are of an individual and odd nature. I mean the concept of writing, the actual idea of writing is weird.
It doesn’t really make sense to invent stories, poems, articles, essays or what not and give it to an unknown audience. Where does that desire spring from? Is it fame, money(I should hope not) or the need to get your ideas out in the aether. I can’t say. I do know that I gave a first draft of something to a random guy I know last night. And that makes sense. But why does it make sense? Why can’t “writers” just write, not feel compelled to share? Here’s my theory, and it goes like this:
There’s a genetic or sociological component factor which I shall call the Artist’s Need. It manifests in many ways, but for the most part the sub-divisions go as such:
Musician/Rock Star, Comedian, Writer, Actor, Artist(visual). Artist’s want to be rock stars or writers, writers want to be artists or rock stars, comedians want to be rock stars, and rock stars comedians, let us not forget actors who want to be comedians, rock stars and writers(they don’t fit in this theory). So, based on talent and good looks one chooses the subdivision of fame where one fits best. In my case, being of average build and looks, with a semi-penchant to words and not too great control of a paintbrush I would have to be a comedian or a writer. I can reply in conversation with a quick witted funny line, but just “telling jokes” not my strong suit. What’s left but to be a writer. I was born into the Artist’s Need circle and the Venn diagram differentiations pushed me to be a writer. So, that’s why I’m here. But why is there a here? That genetic or sociological factor has to exist or the converse need to not communicate should be equally as strong. If there is a decision from one person: “Hey, I should strive to communicate artistically for the rest of my life!” there should, by a certain logic, be an equal number of people who say “Hey, I should strive to not have anything to do with art for the rest of my life!” Or something to that argumentative effect. But, I’ve met hundreds of writers, artists and musicians. I can’t say that I’ve ever met anyone who had zero desire to communicate on some artistic level. Well, maybe they all live in basement apartments collecting tax receipts.. but who knows? Either way, the rub is that because there is no equal and opposite social reaction that one can assume there is a built in component for the Artist’s Need.
Now, conceptual argument above being accepted, at least for our purposes, what comes of the Artist’s Need? What purpose, other than satiation of urge is there for this Need? I shall posit the position that this Need is directly correlative to the need to preen oneself. The Artist’s Need is another form of mating ritual. Writers are just trying to spread the genetic code. Not everyone can be physically perfect, so there must be some other way to woo. Well, look at Ringo Starr. By the laws of physical attraction that guy should be old and alone. But, put him in a popular band, now he’s genetically viable for mating. Let’s face it, Homer just wanted some ass. How else does a blind guy spread his seed? Compensation by storytelling.
So, what the hell are you talking about? I’m talking about the further Richard Dawkins-ization of the world. There is no true art, just the Artist’s Need. Which is basically just sex drive compensation. Hell, look at the ages when writers/artists/musicians usually put out their best stuff. I’d go on a limb that the curve of virility/fecundity vs. the curve of Artistic output would look pretty similar. Anyway, that’s why I think writers are weird.
Now for some fun links:
Hacking Knowledge is a tutorial. The name says it all, and I find it neato.
This is a little video about deep field. Deep field is wholly interesting concept in space visualization. Check it out.
And finally, just because I’m a fan of blue oyster cult, comes this nonsense thing.
