What It Means To Be Creative By S. I Hayakawa Analysis

The essay written by S.I. Hayakawa “What It Means to Be Creative” went over many aspects that are seen in Van Gogh. Van Gogh was a famous painter from about 1888 to current, seeing as his paintings are still sought after to this very day. He was also famous for cutting off his own ear. Through his letters to his brother Theo he has given us a look into his life, in addition we see the pain and suffering, as well as the joy he went through from day to day. In the Hayakawa essay he named numerous aspects of a creator which you will see Van Gogh follows a number of these examples. I believe that Van Gogh truly fits Hayakawa’s definition of a creator because he was willing to take chances, knew his feeling through and through and was able to view the world from an artistic perspective. An innovative person is “Willing to take a chance- to go out on a limb (S. I. Hayakawa, Page 1)” in all aspects of their lives. When taking the time to read the Van Gogh letter he writes “I asked M. Peytron point-blank, since you are going to Paris, what would you say if I suggested that you be kind enough to take me with you (Van Gogh Letter 605)” In …show more content…
In the letter Van Gogh had a run in with some trouble and says to his brother. “I feel cowardly in the face of pain and suffering – more cowardly than is justifies – and perhaps it is this moral cowardice itself, which previously I had no desire to cure (Van Gogh Letter 605).” Van Gogh admits to himself that he feels cowardly about the pain and suffering. Ordinarily, a person will try not to admit that they are frightened, or that they worry about it. Today, a large amount of people will act tough, even if it’s to just not feel ridiculous in front of their friends. Van Gogh was willing to admit this to his brother, and he worries that the next attack may even disable him or take his ability to