GRAVITY EIGHTEEN -- Saturday, October 3, 1992

Well, we've lost Mr. Harvey: "I wish I had time to sift through your messages and filter out the egocentric ramblings (so you have a math test? so you worked on a publication? excuse me, but what does that have to do with your supposed theme?) so I could attend to that part of your writings that do focus on your supposed topic. Unfortunately I don't. Please remove me from your mailing list."

Wish I had the time... egocentric ramblings... supposed topic...

All good stuff, and a perfect place to launch into the creativist side of
things. Understand: I've considered the style and content of these notes very carefully. Were I simply writing about a technological invention, my style would be more formal. But as I'm aiming at something larger, a topic of wider bandwidth, my manner of expression cannot be formal.

I'm using a creativist approach. The word 'creativist' occurred to me
several months ago, and to my knowledge is not currently being used. It quite obviously refers to a creative person, or someone who creates, but there's more to it than that. In particular, it refers to someone with
a Driving Need To Create, someone who would not consider himself a whole person if he were denied his ability to make new and worthwhile works. Creativists identify very strongly with their art. They live in ways that promote and sustain their ability to create.

A lot is said about the word 'artist'. This is a word that refers to many
people with many types of approach. I use a different word to avoid
confusion, and to include many other forms of creation that aren't always included under the umbrella term 'artist'. A creativist is someone who strives to make something entirely new. It can be a philosophical system, a brand of sailboat, a computer program, a novel, a method of toothpaste dispensing (gotta love that guy who invented the pump), a review of the liberal arts, or a human being (children are the ultimate creations).

Creativists do what they do with the sincere hope that they will influence others. That's the reigning attribute: Influence. Creativists hope to live on in others.

They desire influence much more than they desire recognition of their
influence. Whether it's fame, prestige, or fortune, creativists strive to
keep recognition in perspective. They do this for two reasons. First, an
unhealthy emphasis on the notoriety of a work or its creator will distort
the natural process of selection in society. I'll talk about this later. The second reason is that dreams of glory mess up your creative intuition.

They hamper your ability to harmonize with what's real. They make it very hard to tell the truth.

I'm not saying it's a sin to like it when people appreciate your efforts.
Sometimes it can be very strengthening, and necessary.

Case in point: After reading Francis Harvey's adios remarks, I read a reply from Gordon Bearn. "I nearly got off this one at the very beginning, but I am glad I didn't, I'd have missed seeing your honest voice."

Sometimes it's well worth it. It's worth the fear. It's worth the time.

To: Frank Harvey
From: Barbara Frankel