The Da Vinci Syndrome
Hope told me a few months ago that my variety of interests reminded her of Leonardo da Vinci. After some reflection, I saw a further connection. I once watched a documentary about Leonardo's life and it was revealed to me that he had something of a short attention span. He would begin great projects to test and expand his abilities, but he would lose interest when faced with the tedious job of finishing his works. Artistic ADD, if you will. I also find it in myself. Guitar, pennywhistle, exercise, it always seems that I lose interest. It's only when there's still excitement am I able to pursue things with vigor.
I know, great shocker. I daresay its a common ailment for most people. I continue, for my part, to seek that new edge, that next thrill. Oh, I don't often pursue any terribly risky ventures (though I would not rule them out), but there is certainly a longing for more. I think its one reason that I've always been so interested in science and technology. The geek in me finds it exhilarating to learn how the world works, to expand by that much more my grasp of Creation. The Peace Corps was also a search for adventure. Yet in my nostalgia for that harsh land I find my favorite times to be those when I was alone. My heart is still drawn across the sea to memories of getting lost in the rainy season's new growth and I find myself wanting some new frontier to explore.
Is this a life calling, or mere restlessness? Looking on history, its hard not to see it as both. Have we not always been a species that pushes and pursues? Are we not afraid that the boogyman of boredom may darken our threshold? And if so, do we truly search for new places to be, or do we search for ourselves in new places?
Eh. I don't really expect to get anywhere with these thoughts, except for a spiritual nod of the head to the eternal wanderlust within me. I confess that it feels good to remind myself that no matter how far I come, there's always somewhere else left to go.
Twilight out.
I know, great shocker. I daresay its a common ailment for most people. I continue, for my part, to seek that new edge, that next thrill. Oh, I don't often pursue any terribly risky ventures (though I would not rule them out), but there is certainly a longing for more. I think its one reason that I've always been so interested in science and technology. The geek in me finds it exhilarating to learn how the world works, to expand by that much more my grasp of Creation. The Peace Corps was also a search for adventure. Yet in my nostalgia for that harsh land I find my favorite times to be those when I was alone. My heart is still drawn across the sea to memories of getting lost in the rainy season's new growth and I find myself wanting some new frontier to explore.
Is this a life calling, or mere restlessness? Looking on history, its hard not to see it as both. Have we not always been a species that pushes and pursues? Are we not afraid that the boogyman of boredom may darken our threshold? And if so, do we truly search for new places to be, or do we search for ourselves in new places?
Eh. I don't really expect to get anywhere with these thoughts, except for a spiritual nod of the head to the eternal wanderlust within me. I confess that it feels good to remind myself that no matter how far I come, there's always somewhere else left to go.
Twilight out.
posted by Aisyrn | 11:44 PM
8 Comments:
I too have had to consider that the 'great minds of the past' seemingly had tremendous difficulty in keeping focused. For me, it has always been Franklin (get it? 'been' Franklin/Ben Franklin - sometimes I crack myself up). In fact, he was notorious for his ADHD-like symptoms.
I do this so I can be content with the idea that I am restless myself. Wanderlust is a pretty way to describe it.
What do you think about coming out to Vegas?
Keith
I think you are confusing ADHD and short-attention span with a simple lack of discipline.
Da Vinci had a long enough span to make plans, to make calculations, to build prototypes, and to prove the concepts and principles. That takes actual work.
Wanderlust is a "I'll start the project, but quit when it starts taking effort" attitude. It has nothing to do with persuing any ideas, only with persuing newness.
I think Vegas sounds expensive, though I won't write it off completely. Did you have anything specific in mind?
And you make an excellent point, Arnold. That is a distinction I missed. Thank you.
I mean to find a life in a 'new' place for you. It's adventurous, full of life, and full of jobs. You've got the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon (pretty much in my back yard) and the California coast a short drive away. You _have_ to drive the Pacific Coast Highway up to Northern California someday...it's awe inspiring. Most importantly though, did I mention, they have jobs? And I think it would be to your liking. You're interested in writing for someone. If you're willing to do this writing for the tourist/entertainment industry (ie: casinos, shows, etc) then I think you're good to go. Let me know if the idea is even the slightest bit appealing to you.
Keith
Before I respond to your proposition, Keith, let me address some former rudeness of mine. Ahem.
My friend, how have you been?! I haven't talked to you in quite some time, so tell me how you're doing! I can guess from what you wrote that Vegas is treating you well. Excellent. How's the wifey? What are you busying yourself with? If there be updates on your myspace blog, then I shall have to subscribe to get updates.
Now, to your suggestion. I would like to stay in Charleston for the forseeable future (unless some fairly well awesome opportunity presented itself to me), so I don't think moving to Vegas is in the cards for me. However, I am most interested in the writing jobs you hint at. Do you know of any places or people personally that would be interested in hiring a freelancer on the East Coast? If so, do, do tell! I always try to keep an ear to the ground for opportunity, so I'd like to hear what you know.
Thanks for reading!
Ahem.
Actually, what I told you a few months ago is that your drawings of different stuff reminded me of da Vinci's drawings of different stuff. Really, this comes down to one sheet you covered with flight ideas.
I also said that if you really put your mind to it, you could do some pretty awesome stuff.
I made an important distinction when I mentioned da Vinci to you - and that is the shear volume of his work. He was prolific. Many, many writers, for example, write piles and piles of unfinished *crap* before they produce something worth reading (Issac Asimov, for a more specific example).
I encouraged you, as well, to be more prolific.
Just clarifying.
I'm tardy...so deduct 5 or 10 points from my final. Actually that's a bit harsh - let me do something for extra credit.
Everything is great (and dry) in Vegas! My first year here is behind me and I have at least three to go, maybe more. As of now, it's a good enough set up for me to want to stay here as long as possible. I'm excited because I'm going to get to go to the VH1 Rock Honors (again - went last year too), where they will be honoring Genesis. Hooray. Also, and perhaps more important, I'm going to be seeing BOTH Sting and the Police (recently re-united) and Genesis in concerts of their own, later in the summer. We're also seeing Josh Groban this weekend.
"Do you know of any places or people personally that would be interested in hiring a freelancer on the East Coast?"
Nothing _yet_ but I am getting in touch with local publishers for other purposes and I will be sure that you're the first to know if there's a possibility. I will definitely try to steer it that way. Are you writing now? And, what are you willing to write?
----
Write back soon..maybe we can actually keep in touch for a change. Who knows, it might be productive!
Keith
Keith,
Ah, I have heard of the Genesis reunion, but Josh Groban, too? Nice. I'm glad things are going well for you.
I'll admit to some curiosity at what purposes are driving you to publishers, but I'll leave that for you to debrief me on at your leisure. :)
As for myself, I'm not writing anything like a novel right now. I'm more interested in the commercial side of writing: copy, press releases, brochures, etc. I have a few drafts written for people that were, unfortunately, not published. If you run across someone who's interested, though, I can send them to you. Meanwhile, I'm trying my own leads here in Charleston.
And for keeping in touch, I think it'd be a good idea if we exchanged e-mail addresses, since I don't have yours. Mine is: aisyrn@gmail.com
Talk to you soon, bud!
-Will
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