First of all, comedy is an art. Not everybody treats it as such, but it absolutely is. And you can treat fine art like commerce just as easily. It really depends on how you approach it. Having seen and read your work I feel pretty confident calling you an artist.
Second, and bigger point: Humans are inherently creative beings. The creative act is (if I remember correctly) considered one of the four ways to find Atman in Hinduism. So, comedy genuinely can save you. In many ways. Even if it never rises to the level of the sacred, it’s still a pipeline to self-actualization. And just just to be anywhere in that pipeline is a good place to be.
I agree -- we are inherently creative! While I no longer believe in the Christian God, I feel like a Christian would say that God created the world, having a need to create, and if we are to be like God, we must also create.
I adore your writing. All of my favorite writers are clear thinkers, maybe that's a lack of pretension but I think it's just intelligence and fearlessness.
So well written as always, Rachel! I LOVE reading your stuff.
Aww thank you!!
First of all, comedy is an art. Not everybody treats it as such, but it absolutely is. And you can treat fine art like commerce just as easily. It really depends on how you approach it. Having seen and read your work I feel pretty confident calling you an artist.
Second, and bigger point: Humans are inherently creative beings. The creative act is (if I remember correctly) considered one of the four ways to find Atman in Hinduism. So, comedy genuinely can save you. In many ways. Even if it never rises to the level of the sacred, it’s still a pipeline to self-actualization. And just just to be anywhere in that pipeline is a good place to be.
Thanks for the insightful essay!
I agree -- we are inherently creative! While I no longer believe in the Christian God, I feel like a Christian would say that God created the world, having a need to create, and if we are to be like God, we must also create.
I have a feeling our understanding of a creative god is rooted in our own need to create. We tend to reflect our own selves in our gods.
I adore your writing. All of my favorite writers are clear thinkers, maybe that's a lack of pretension but I think it's just intelligence and fearlessness.
Thank you Rick, always so kind
Sobbing. Thank you for this, Rachel.
I do it for you, Naomi!!!