I helped William get started on his blog -- but this brilliant analysis of his experience at Burning Man is entirely his own. I look forward to more posts from him.
This post pretty much entirely relies on the assumption that work and interests are mutually exclusive. I think with most people, that is true, but there are a few lucky ones where this isn't the case. In my personal experience, those that are still connected with their interests are the lucky ones who have managed to find or make a profession that truly interests them. I've never been to Burning Man, but, I sort of suspect that a lot of the attendees are these sorts of people; they still have well defined interests and passions. That suggests they don't have a soul sucking job, as they still have a soul.
Ay Chris! I'm super glad you point out this assumption. I probably could've done some good placing an asterisks in there, one that acknowledges those folks who earn money doing what they enjoy. I mean - I know people who work within their passions, Capitalism definitely allows this. (Sometimes I even consider myself a fortunate enjoy-how-make-money person, sometimes : ) I think I omitted this point because I was trying to outline a Zeitgeist, which is a pretty broad stroke of analysis. I actually have trouble making such broad statements specifically because these omissions tend to occur. Over-simplification; Reductionist. Or maybe just a palette tester? Whatever it is, the question seemed to call for it and so I just went for it.
How does the title Burning Man Zeitgeist not have anything to do with the blog entry? Seems an appropriate title to me.
Ah, that makes more sense now. Thanks for clarifying lil.
The change makes more sense to me, haha. I liked the numbered correlating points the blog made, specifically the one about being encouraged to do what you want vs. not. Reminded me of a popular post on reddit a while back where a bunch of people put together a video of "Oh The Places You'll Go" being read at Burning Man. Here's the video: [url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahv_1IS7SiE&feature=share...]![/url] EDIT: I don't know how to do links!
I've seen this video! I actually show it to friends and family when I want them to have strong, positive connotations tied to BM. And I'm glad the numbered points worked well for you, I like them too. I feel like they help my brain/reader's brain organize and process information with more ease and speed.
Thanks for the link, I enjoyed the video and think a reading like that without the Suess cartoons, is all the more impressive for what he wrote.
I've seen other similar projects from Burning Man floating around. I've never been, but from what I know about it I would assume it was just a drug-fueled party/orgy, but in fact it seems to jumpstart creativity and human happiness. Sounds cheesy, but maybe it's true.
While that is a nice video, I still prefer the John Lithgow reading.