Not Bad Enough To Be Good?

I've always wondered why supreme artistry/talent seemingly goes hand-in-hand with a life of wreckless behavior and extreme dysfunction. It almost seems as though its a mandatory prerequisite of some sort. Am I being unreasonable for believing that maybe (just maybe) one could become an internationally known figure and still actually manage to simultaneously have a healthy social, personal and family life instead of one that is shrouded in controversy and questionable conduct? The fact that I even have to ask that question is indicative of the worlds ever diminishing sense of priorities, values and morals. As one who strives to become a household name and recognized for making significant contributions in various capacities as a writer, its often discouraging considering that the majority of my colleagues in "the industry" will be individuals who have little to no inhibitions and will glorify vice and promote participation in behaviors that compromise character and tarnish reputation. Perhaps what's even more unfortunate is that in my refusal to engage in such activities, I'll probably get pegged as the "uptight, boring guy" - go figure. When did it become uncool to just want to live a peaceful, drama-free life and enjoy it with those who matter most?

I'm not too out of touch to acknowledge that sexual escapades, drugs and illegal activities are indescribably pleasureable, incredibly fun, and provide an invigorating rush like no other. However, my question is how does that benefit others outside of oneself and how much lasting fulfillment can that possibly bring someone? At the end of the day, all those things are only instant gratification at best. Furthermore, since they're only "instant," the only way to prolong them is to take the time necessary to continue repeating them. That's quite a bit of time needed to engage in non-productive self-satisfaction. The biggest problems I see in today's society are arrogance and selfishness. Everyone nowadays feels like they're "self-made." It baffles me how many people act as if they didn't need any help in achieving what they have thus far and that they really had something to do with creating their intuitive giftings. Beyond that, in this day and age people are more individualistic than ever before with absolutely no regard for they're fellow man and woman. Moreover, the idea of "community" is practically extinct which has resulted in a collective "every-man-for-himself" attitude and an apathy for most things outside of ones own dealings. Ultimately, all these tailored, new age philosophies result in the redefining of timeless, tried-and-true principles that were meant to be a moral compass that holds us accountable and has skewed them into personal views that conveniently accommodate ones own way of living without conviction which perpetuates a society deprived of emotional stability and peace-of-mind.

I certainly don't claim to have all the answers but I can say that I have enough wisdom to refrain from attempting to re-invent a wheel that's been shown to turn just fine. From my perspective, the best way to avoid the stereotypical downward spiral of a prolific artist's life is to subscribe to a standard of principles that challenges you to discipline yourself in a manner that is often times inconvenient but results in personal growth. In doing so, not only does one get to enjoy not being a cliché story of squandered potential, one also hopefully learns the humility that comes from accepting the forces at work that are greater than them in addition to realizing how much more fulfilling life can be when one considers people and things outside of themselves. Cool or uncool, I think I'm going shoot for being the most level headed artist of note to ever live. 

How's that for originality?