Quote:
Originally Posted by Roadie
Existential angst. Sorry, had to stop at your first paragraph--sure I've been there, a huge number of us have ... In fact I'd bet most MI folks spend a bit more time turning that rubrics cube around than do the MH.
However, might not the point of your being alive here/now be that--although everything has all been done and thought before--you have never done or thought anything before. With your uniqueness attached, what has become "utterly pointless" may become renewed through your vision.
If you've read the Judao-Christian Bible, Ecclesiastes, we are told even that long ago that, "There is nothing new under the sun." Certainly would sound like a motivation-killer, doesn't it? But look at the Renaissance that flourished with its base in both philosophy and the arts.
Many of the most creative people of that period apparently wrestled with depression. Like so many artists, a large percentage seem likely to have been bipolar. Michaelangelo struggled with all the angst of his own time. But while he did, he stayed alive to search for answers, to create, to pay the bills.
He may have created nothing truly new, but oh! What a unique statement he's left us.
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Since Angst refers to anxiety and worry I do not believe the word is fitting, I do not worry at my life not having meaning, I know it does not, and sometimes that thought is very demotivating. Additionally, clarify the terms "MI" and "MH" for me. I'm not privy to your jargon. I can only assume they refer to "mentally insane" and "mentally healthy", though I find it moderately insulting that you potentially would label me insane simply for having an existentialist view of the world.
In my living area there are very very few who hold this opinion of life; in general, less people hold this opinion of life than the opinion that there Is meaning to it and that is explained fairly well in Absurdism.
Since there is not a "point" to being alive I can't precisely concur with that sentiment, however, I understand your meaning (I think, though I can guarantee you I have done things and thought things before in my life).
What can be unique about any one person? My fingerprints? I'll agree. My thoughts and actions? Surely in this world there is someone that holds all similar beliefs to me; surely there are more than one who could look similarly enough to me that a stranger would be confused.
In regards to the arts and mental health. I am an artist, and I have bipolar disorder. I know that out of depression and deep thought comes wonderful intricate and beautiful artwork, but does that mean that one should enjoy their depression? Michelangelo's works are lovely and talented, but at the end of the day, just what purpose did they truly serve?