The late Robin Williams once said, “Medicine, law, business engineering; these are noble pursuits that are necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.” This quote comes from the movie “Dead Poets Society,” a film about a group of private school students, learning the wonders of poetry and writing from their new professor.
Poetry is defined as, “literary work in which special intensity is given to the expression of feelings and ideas by the use of distinctive style and rhythm.” Basically, spoken songs are supposed to evoke feelings in the audience.
However, it’s now the real world and poetry has officially died.
Milk and Honey
Poetry you might have seen become popular has been derived from the book “Milk and Honey.” Created by Rupi Kaur, this form of poetry celebrates “simple” poems that are shorter than most, having small stanzas and quick similes. Ever since it was published in 2014, the book has turned poetry into a new thing entirely.
Many art lovers have bashed this form of poetry, saying how it can be “insulting” to traditional poetry. Modern poetry seems to have strayed away from iconic rhythm and sentiment and has decided to embrace simplicity, instead.
The Grand Scheme of It
Although this is just one medium of art, it seems like all art has crumbled as a profession and has become more of a once-in-every-blue-moon hobby. What was one considered to be a lifeline for society is now frowned upon as a career pursuit.
If you were asked about what your dream job was when you were a child, the answer would probably be in the creative industry: singer, dancer, artist, writer, actor, the list goes on. Honestly, it’s very rare for a child to claim his dream job is to be an accountant.
As college students, we have become so wrapped up in finding a job rather than pursuing a career. In other words, money is the driving factor of the lives we live, whether you like to admit it or not. It seems that making a livable wage has superseded everyone’s passions in life; if you’re not good enough at drawing, you won’t make any money off of art, so what’s the point?
What We Love
From a movie dear to many people’s hearts, “Dead Poets Society” actually depicts this very idea; even if it’s not a career in finance or law, art is what makes you human. Writing or painting or dancing is exactly what you love and what you wake up every day for.
It might seem silly at first glance, but before there were doctors, lawyers or accountants, there were artists. Everyone is born viewing the world as a canvas, as cliché as it may sound. Nobody thinks to pick up a computer and type out code but they instinctively want to dance to a song or draw a photo.
Creativity is what humans pump in their veins. It is what keeps everyone alive, even if it doesn’t get you paid. Tweet us @VALLEYmag with your thoughts!
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