So is all creativity good? Are all things that strike a chord positive? In my view those works that illuminate and reveal truth certainly are. But in some cases creativity is distorted and aimed at manipulation, control and deceit. No matter how strong the connection with such works, the result of their distorted purpose is a shrinking of the human soul rather than growth. We can only hope that the connections we choose will feed our spirits and starve our self-centred impulses.
The self-centred creative, tends towards madness, as obsession arises from over-preoccupation with one’s own thoughts and feelings (even those that may relate to another and give an impression of being other-centred may in fact be self-centred as they focus on how one feels or thinks about that other rather than how that other truly is). Van Gogh’s famous self-surgery was not so much about love, as about himself, what he wanted and how he felt. This is a great danger for creative people, as many are quite introspective and must determine to focus outwardly in order to maintain balance.
When creativity really shines, is the moment that self is left behind and truth takes centre stage. An actor is especially aware of how important it is to put self aside in order to portray another character, but even here, unless the revelation of truth is paramount, the result is loss rather than gain.
Much that is creative, calls out a sympathetic response in us, we can understand how the evil book character became what they are, feel sorry for them, make excuses for them even. The truth is that if they can be excused in our minds, our minor selfishnesses may also be excused: ‘we couldn’t help it’. This makes us weaker and less in control. A book that reveals truth however will allow sympathy for the sufferings of the characters, but acknowledge that each makes deliberate choices in whatever path they take, no excuses.
This truth gives us strength: we also have power to choose, no matter what sufferings come our way. Strength, power and growth, gifts of creativity where the central character is truth.
