• To me, one of the most entertaining and enlightening experiences to have without spending a dime would be to sit at your local Starbucks (preferably the one in Riverside) and listen to the surrounding conversation. I do it often when I actually venture from my house, bringing with me a thick book with which to disguise my notepad and a pen, jotting down the things that meet my attention for use in short stories and poetry.
    After listening for such a long time, I've come to the conclusion that people only like to have conversations if they involve one or more of the below: A., if they get to be the only one to speak or B., if they don't have to say anything and learn something in the process, whether it be truly educational material or just gossip.
    Humans are social creatures. Evidence of that is present every day with the way we communicate at school. The adolescent need to assimilate is present in clothing and hairstyles, tastes, things of that nature. It makes one think if individuality truly exists, for, even if there is a person that isn't the same as anyone else, are they not linked to others by said individuality?
    In this way, it can be said that humans are not abstract but want to become so. Unfortunately, the human instinct to conform in some way or another makes this impossible, at least for the adolescent.
    Abstract ideas lead us not only in our pursuits to become individuals, but they also lead us to think and to create. It is the different view every person has on certain ideas, whether it be justice, evil, good, love or hate that makes a piece different from others with the same intent.
    The ability to do so in a masterful manner is what makes a great artist in any genre, whether it be literature or visual arts. Therefore, abstract ideas are the root of most artworks.
    Of course, artists have done so throughout time. If such a simple idea can produce such an effect, what is the use of most of the art of our time? Simple lines upon paper sometimes, that are supposed to have an incredible message behind them? I'm no visual artist, but, doesn't that seem a tad bit far fetched?
    Even though simplicity is the center of artwork, it doesn't mean that art should be simplistic in any form. When necessary, of course. But what about otherwise?
    In one of my overheard conversations this question was answered for me without any room for debate:
    "Have you ever talked to an artist who didn't think he was the next best thing to Hemmingway or Van Gough in his head?"
    The equation is simple, now. Abstract idea+Humanity=Ego.
    Of course, for everyone except me.