I find it interesting that Virginia Woolf argues that a woman needs money in order to be creative in her piece, "A Room of One's Own." Woolf was a part of an old money family. The Bloomsbury Group members all lived very comfortably. They could pick and choose what social ideals or norms they wanted to battle with little consequence. Though this discredits them in a sense, it also illustrates her point. Let's face it, the more money you have, the more freedom you have. People know who you are, you can buy your way out of certain circumstances, you can eat whatever you want, wear whatever you want, and go wherever you want. Less things burden you when you have money. You don't have to constantly think about paying bills, getting a job or getting fired from the one you already have, buying food, etc. In other words, without money more thoughts run through your mind and effect your ability to create because you have less mental freedom.
If this is the case, then why does the world love a Cinderella story about pain, love, and hardships?
Great posting! I must say it is somewhat sad, but also true, that money does give you power in today's world. The same goes for the centuries before us, which is evident in Woolf's argument. As for me, I love the Cinderella story about a person who struggles to reach the top. Because some people are not as fortunate as others, I see these people who succeed as an inspiration to others. They are showing you don't HAVE to be wealthy to be successful. In the case of "A Room of One's Own," these type of people are few and far between. But, I can't help but cheer for the underdog in this situation who comes from nothing to become something spectacular.
ReplyDeleteNice post. Let's face it, the doesn't just go round. It goes Cha Ching! Money gives the freedom to write, but it also provides alot of other things you didn't mention. It provides the funds for education, so you can even learn how to write well. No one wants to read a book with poor grammar or crummy use of language. Writing is a talent, but like all raw talent it requires techniques to harness it. Money provides the available avenues to learn those techniques.
ReplyDeleteVery valid points you make...! I think everyone loves a "cinderella story" because sometimes it is just human nature to root for the underdog. But the reality is, the more money you have, the more power, influence, and opportunity you have as well. I think the burden of having to worry about financial matters can be a very mentally distracting one, and creativity is hindered by mental distraction. So I think Virginia Woolf's point was that living comfortably was something that facilitated her creativity and literary accomplishments.
ReplyDeleteUnless, of course, you're MOTIVATED by financial matters (see: J.K. Rowling).
ReplyDeleteOne of the things I always read is about how the tools required to be creative keep costing less and less. Software to create music and film is relatively cheap now, and with the Internet being nearly EVERYWHERE, it is possible to become somewhat of a success purely by talent or a good idea (case in point, somewhat: the "Shit My Dad Says" Twitter account becoming a sitcom on CBS).
While I think Woolf was right back then, we live in a time where things are starting to change. So, basically, expect more cinderella stories!
I think everyone should be motivated by financial matters. No one wants to starve, not even artists
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