Hold on, why are you reading this? Isn't this newsletter dedicated solely to statistics? Actually, no. As I mentioned initially, I intended to share content about my other interests as well. So, let's dive in —
What does writing mean to one? What does it mean to me?
Writing is the art of expressing oneself through words. These expressions can be technical, creative, or anything you desire, provided they're not too abstract to be deemed insane. For me, writing is an escape from the mundane. It's a humble means to access my creative realm. I might boast about it if I were renowned, but for now, I am content.
I boasted quite a bit when I won my first poetry writing competition in school. I told myself, "I am just as creative as anyone else." Although this statement may seem silly initially, it truly isn't. We are all creative in our own ways. Some may simply be less recognized than others.
As the tale is as old as time, we find ourselves expected to adhere to standards set by individuals long departed. Creativity, therefore, has been relegated to a trait bound by norms, where ticking off items from a list determines whether one is deemed creative or deranged.
"I am who I choose to be," declared my younger, rebellious self. It's peculiar that today, many people write or present themselves on platforms solely to seek validation through "likes." Yet, one wonders, is creativity a pursuit of satisfaction or a quest for validation?
One writes to satisfy their curiosity, which is reflected in the connections they observe in their surroundings. It seems foolish to imitate others merely to be liked. That's not creativity; it's a lack of integrity.
I've often pondered whether, if Picasso hadn't envisioned a new way to express art—through cubism, sculpting, and an abstract perspective on emotions, highlighting the ugliness beneath the beauty—we would have reached a stage where various creative art forms are presented by individuals, barring a few who counterfeit creativity.
Perhaps if visionaries such as Einstein, Isaac Newton, Fisher, and others had not pursued creative ways to comprehend the universe, we might not have witnessed advancements in every field of science, art, and beyond. It could be that the key lies in shifting our perspective on things, not intentionally, but driven by our own curiosity. It's about being fearless, embracing a rebellious spirit, and finding significance in what may seem insignificant.
A few years ago, I was a bit skeptical to take part in and publish my poem in an anthology named “Stardust”. But my brother convinced me to be brave and bold about my work. It really did help me a lot, to express myself even better than before! The poem I wrote explored the theme of Eternity.
I'm everything you need to see, For I might drift you apart, So, to be another me, Do bid on my depart, As I'm nothing but a dime, Yet you're mine, You're nothing but a clay, Won't you let me lead you away? As you dream of me, I'm everything you want to be. Feeding your rage, Of your love for my age, As I was born out of greed, Avoiding what you need, For it was this desire, To live another lifetime, Which I knew of none, Knowing that I'm the one, Daring to regret what you create, For I live along with no fate. Not once did I winnow, For I was once above, Those who didn't allow, Ruins of these crimson nights, As I walked shallow, Without any sights, For I tasted the change, To those responsible for my fame, Who am I to watch this shame? Eternity is my name. - Rhithik Roshan
I have truly found satisfaction in this work of mine. It does lack perfection here and there, but I don’t really care. To an individual, creativity isn’t a necessity that is to be included in every work they do. But the necessities of creativity cannot be summarized in a few points as it is limitless and grows exponentially down the path. It is a process of constant self-criticism and growth out of the inspiration and challenges faced thereon. The aim is to foster satisfaction through curiosity rather than seeking fulfillment from validation.
But I’d like for us to not just be machines, although we fear they might replace us. I can affirm that creativity is incomplete without the element of randomness that humans contribute.
Until then, you and I must ask ourselves, “Do I write for satisfaction or validation?”