If you could make a deal with the devil, would you……?
Writers and artists are driven to do what they do. And I can see the idea of that Faustian pact tempting. I have asked myself this question a thousand times and it is a concept I have used more than once for artistic inspiration over the years. For those not familiar with the story of Faust, in a nutshell, Faust sells his soul to the devil, in return the devil gives Faust back his youth, unlimited knowledge, and worldly pleasures. Over the years there have been many stories, artistic works, operas, and numerous elaborate artistic works that re-invent this basic theme. As I see it in this modern world it could be interpreted as an ambitious person surrenders moral integrity in order to achieve power and success. I think it would be fair to say I am a driven sort of person and I have considered what I would do to succeed in my various enterprises. Would I make that deal with the devil?
Success is a difficult thing to measure, is it the cash you amass? Is it the trinkets with which you feather your nest? Is it accolades and trophies we collect? The adoration of fans? Praise from your contemporaries? All or none of the above? Is it really that important?
I think you have to be happy within yourself, look at yourself in the mirror every day. Ultimately Faust became dissatisfied with all he had, he yearned for “more than earthly meat and drink”. But I am interested in your thoughts. What drives you and would you do to succeed? Would you make a deal with the devil?
As for me. It was a done deal many years ago……