Picked up “Waves” by Virginia Woolf from the library at work today. She has always been a favorite writer. Maybe because her voice is extremely original. The first time I read “Mrs. Dalloway” or “Orlando” I was rather taken aback by her strong voice, a voice I had not expected would belong to a woman living during her times. And her books have taught me a very simple thing. Being original and having an unique voice is what matters in this day and age when people are in a rush to emulate each other, be it the physical appearance, the lifestyle or even the mental attribute. Antonio Gramsci spoke of cultural hegemony. He spoke of governments trying to snuff out the originality among the populace by violently imposing cultural standards upon the same. Maybe that happened in Mussolini’s Italy, but we live in a democratic world today (or at least a world where most countries have embraced the concept of liberal democracy). And still we are slaves to cultural icons imposed upon us by an all pervasive media. Where is the originality ?
It is quite strange that although we recognize the fact that every single human being is unique with a life that can never be replicated, we still try to fit everyone we know into pigeon holes. The same goes for our creations too. We write words that others have written elsewhere, use expressions that others have used elsewhere and often view the world through lenses tinged in the colors of emotions both common and easily fathomable. In a way we are victims to the same cultural hegemony that Gramsci spoke of.
Now the question arises…when can we break free? And another equally important question follows…how can we break free? Can emptiness solve the problem? Can originality be discovered within the eternal depths of emptiness? Can making the mind empty and free of standard modes of thinking help us to go back to the state we were in when we were born? And can that wondrous feeling of seeing the world for the first time sans any kind of reference or previous assumption assist us in bringing back our primeval originality? Many questions that do not have answers unless the mind is emptied and the soul is freed from the iron grip of hegemony.
Pretty random thoughts. Not that I sat down to write anything concrete. Simply let the words flow. Nothing more. Nothing less. So much for now. Au revoir !
PS: I did not think that I would write so frequently on my blog. I guess it’s the natural flow of words. And that which is natural should never be curbed nor truncated to suit one’s needs.
👍 👍
Another beautiful work for our poetry room.
It’s going on “one after the other” now. 😉
Thank you very much
Thank you so much. Glad you like my scribbles.
I like the idea of paying for art which is something I am slowly coming around to respect. Prediction?
‘The Thinker’ by Auguste Rodin rounds off the story.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auguste_Rodin
Or, as the great Irish comedian Spike Milligan called it – “Now where the hell did I leave my clothes?”
@Travellinbob 👍
Rodin has always been a favorite since childhood !
@Lopamudra 👍
One more question.
Have you ever read your texts to yourself or to someone else?
Originality and individually go hand in hand I think.
During a 50 year working life, I pretty much always was expected to fit the professional mould – basically a suit, preferably pinstripe, a whit or light blue shirt, ties and black shoes and socks. Towards the end, as fashions changed, ties and suits could be dispensed with, with but smart jackets, trousers and shirts were still expected. Then Dress Down Fridays arrived and jeans and casual shirts became acceptable. By retirement, four years ago, DDF clothes were acceptable every day. But no matter the dress code, our behaviour was non-negotiable – never be late for work, never leave early, work lunch-breaks as required to complete your days’ tasks. Be respectful to your managers and your clients at all times (even if they were being total idiots, as was often the case).. There were many other little foibles too, too many to mention.
In a nutshell: individuality often went out the window, and with it originality of thought and behaviour (except as required from time to time in a work situation). But since I retired, I have rediscovered all that. I will wear a suit and tie for Christmas, Easter and on special occasions like weddings and funerals, else it’s tee-shirts, jeans or sweat pants (shorts and sandals in summer). Don’t have to worry about my hair, it’s nearly all gone so I buzz it every couple of weeks. Rarely shave more than twice a week. I try to do what I want to do, go where I want to go, without ignoring my home and family responsibilities. Sometimes that means simply lolling about doing nothing except eating and drinking. I read a lot, and I find increasingly the word flow when I hit the keyboard – as they have here: I didn’t intend to write so much – sorry!
In a nutshell, that individuality and I hope originality (at least in my thinking and my writing) have returned. And it’s a joy.
It’s wonderful to know about your life. Yes, it is true that the years spent at work tend to make machines out of us all. Not only do we lose our originality, but we are also forced to behave in a way that is hegemonic to say the least. I have felt the same way at work too. Both writing and reading gives me the wings that I crave for at the end of a long, mechanized day filled with nothing worthwhile to ruminate about.
Appreciating the persistence you put into your blog and in depth information you present.
It’s good to come across a blog every once in a
while that isn’t the same out of date rehashed information. Wonderful read!
I’ve saved your site and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.
Thank you very much for liking my blog. Appreciate your kindness !
Hi there, I check your blog like every week. Your humoristic style is witty, keep it up!
Thank you very much
As I was reading your ‘scribble’ the thought came to me how much we have distractions and noise in our heads and life, that it suppresses our true thoughts, ideas, wants, and needs. How we need to spend time in the silence, and writing, to remove the clutter and find our true selves.