THE GOOD IS THE ENEMY OF THE GREAT
That’s one of those enigmatic sayings. But if one takes the time to understand it, one can see that settling for the good is really stopping the development of any idea or project at some artificial outside system of values. Whereas, if one continues to ignore the outer promptings and seeks to connect to the intuitive and instinctive interior channels to refine the original, raw idea(s), one can achieve that which is great. (I have since dropped the idea of the “greatest” from my thinking. There is only one greatest and that is the All.)
What is great is vital, beautiful (which includes the grotesque & strange), truthful, harmonious, and authentic and immediately touches the hearts of the one creating as well as the ones witnessing the creation. Those qualities can embrace the darker and more dissonant aspects of living.
When one taps into the current of the creative stream and not struggle at the surface, there is something unique that emerges from that universal stream when it is filtered through the lens of the personality. It is the artistic voice, a glimpse into the eternal.
To give up trying to be good (or bad) and strive for the single most difficult act of selfhood-being true to oneself at all times to all people in all conditions-that is the liberating moment whereby permission is given to the self to explore, make mistakes through trial and error, and stumble into the great.
Orson Welles prayed for accidents on the set. So, let’s all pray for the grace of accidents, accidents of the great kind, that is.