I’m a huge fan of capitalism, I think it’s more than fair that we live in a system in which you can win or lose based on your ability to innovate and create a customer base. If you are unable to do these things than you need to get a job working for someone else versus attempting to run your own business. I hear so many people complain about the system, but it is a replica of the animal kingdom…the strong will survive and the weak will be eaten (unless you’re lucky enough to get a bailout from the government).
That being said, I find it immensely ironic that the government tells businesses what to do yet the government does not know how to make money (other than raising taxes…how innovative) nor do they know how to live within their means…but we’re suppose to take business advice from them?? Yikes.
Back to the point, to be honest though I’m not sure what it is…more an opinion. If I am dumb enough to give someone my money so be it, if I’m smart enough to know how to make money, so be it! I have to be accountable for my actions in the equation rather than point fingers at everything else. For instance, one of my businesses tends to have a lot of overhead and government intervention, so rather than bitch about it forever; I am slowly transitioning out of that business into areas that carry less overhead and intervention.
I guess this goes back to what I have discussed before, life is about choices. But I must say that an equally important aspect is being accountable for yourself and not passing the buck. We all have sad stories and trauma that have affected our lives, but does that take you off the hook? No, sorry, it doesn’t.
Good or bad, you need to own your life, your choices, and the outcomes. This is true in capitalism and in life, be aware and make changes as needed…be light on your feet and ready to switch directions. This isn’t your great grandfathers world anymore, you don’t have to be a shoe salesman for 65 years; we have far more opportunity today than ever before…and the strong will survive!
(This might be more about your last post with a twist of this one.)
That being said, Matt, it is indeed far easier than ever before to bring ideas now to the surface. It is far easier to post a poem or a photograph and get noticed. The hidden talents of people are finding their way into the public at an incredible rate of speed. It may not be grandpa’s world anymore, but that also doesn’t mean it should always turn a monetary profit.
When one loves what they do, when driven and talented and focused, it is in itself its own reward. Making art or enjoying a hobby or enjoying hard work is a precious thing. But it shouldn’t be wrecked or abandoned if it doesn’t lend itself to paying the bills. That would be a tragedy.
Great points Jon, I am a humongous fan of capitalism, as well as art for arts sake. I also think people should do with the two, capitalism and art, what they want. We each have our own definitions and boundaries as individuals. I have hobbies I monetize from, and some that I don’t; for example, I love photography and I sold one today…that makes me happy.
At the end of the day though, I think art is art, and money is money; but there is not a clearly defined line when the two come together or come close to coming together…again, that goes back to the individual. I’m also a fan of Seth Godin and his definition of art, etc.
Cheers man, thanks for the comment!