The Striving Artist

Striving or struggling can free us from our ego, which I know in my case can get out of control if not checked at the door sometimes. Let me give an example of this idea though. Take the career of singer/songwriter Bob Dylan, who as a young man went to New York City to play his music. Then of course embarking on a long and eventually extremely successful music career. Writing some of the most influential and revolutionary poetry and songs America and the world had or has ever seen. Also let's take a look at a quote from Albert Einstein:

"Measured objectively, what a man can wrest from Truth by passionate striving is utterly infinitesimal. But the striving frees us from the bonds of the self and makes us comrades of those who are the best and the greatest."


-Einstein

Now contrast this with his son Jakob's and his band The Wallflower's musical career. They are really good, fantastic even. His songs are well-written and have a lot of voice. But is it revolutionary music? - No. Is it extremely original or unique? - Not really. Does the factor that Jakob didn't maybe strive quite as much or struggle like his father did as a young man play a role in this? - Absolutely. And thus in a completely unscientific and roundabout way, with things that have maybe nothing to do with each other, I prove my point. Good Day.