I am currently reading a book called "Blessed Are the Weird, A Manifesto for Creatives" by Jacob Nordby. First the title and then the cover art caught my attention and then I downloaded a sample to test it out. I was intrigued after reading the sample so I purchased the book. I am about 70% through it at this point and I have to say it is an interesting read and I thought I would share it with you.
Nordby strikes some familiar cords from my bohemian youth. Growing up in the 60's and 70's, the younger generation was all about busting out of the mold and pursuing our dreams, whether they be creative, political, or humanitarian. The future lay at our feet, not organized and tied up with a nice bow but instead with a multitude of paths that wound their way past the horizon. It was exciting and overwhelming all at once. I can see the bits and pieces of Nordby's antiestablishment feelings in this book but it is relevant to his theme. He believes we are now in a Renaissance and creatives of every ilk are needed to help the world get its bearings. I do agree with him that technology is now outpacing what is practically needed for us in this time and place and we are constantly working to keep up with it either by learning it, purchasing it, usually both at the same time. The role of the creative is to give alternate choices for people to look, read and listen at a slower speed, allowing them to catch their breath from all the hubbub. We in essence have to un-numb our souls and remember what we love and appreciate and pursue it, whether it be writing the epic novel or growing a healthy, happy family.
The Weird part is the tribe of those that never slipped easily into any homogenous slot. They consist of those that watch others march to the beat of the collective drum while they stand on the sidelines, with creative yearnings tugging at their shirttails. Yes, it is good to be weird.
His approach is different and though I certainly don't agree with all the book's contents, there is enough to be gleaned that offers great food for thought and conversation. I like that concept.
A link to the cover artist's website:
http://alenkopera.com/index.html
Link to the book on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Blessed-Are-Weird-Manifesto-Creatives/dp/0996898905/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1529417724&sr=8-2&keywords=Blessed+are+the+Weird
No comments:
Post a Comment