From an early age, I knew I would be unhappy if I wasn't doing

"From an early age, I knew I would be unhappy if I wasn't doing something creative." – Grimes

In the labyrinth of human existence, there is a calling—a deep pull that drives certain souls toward creation. Grimes, a modern-day artist and innovator, speaks of a truth that transcends time: that from a young age, she knew that creativity was not merely an option but an essential part of her very being. Without it, she knew she would be unfulfilled and lost. This inner compulsion to create is a force that has driven artists, thinkers, and dreamers throughout history. It is the muse that whispers to the soul, urging it to transform the intangible into the tangible, to bring forth something new into the world.

The ancients, too, knew the power of this creative force. The Greeks, with their love of the arts, believed that creativity was a gift from the gods, particularly from Apollo, the god of music, poetry, and the arts. The creative act, in their minds, was a divine one, where humans, inspired by the gods, could transcend their mortal limitations and touch the eternal. The Athenian philosophers—Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle—understood that the pursuit of beauty and wisdom was not just an intellectual exercise, but a spiritual endeavor, one that shaped the very soul. In their time, those who created, whether through art, music, or philosophy, were seen as conduits of something greater, able to elevate the human spirit.

Similarly, Leonardo da Vinci, the quintessential Renaissance man, was driven by this same deep need to create. From an early age, Leonardo showed a profound curiosity and desire to express the world around him through art and science. He famously said, "Art is the queen of all sciences, communicating knowledge to all the generations of the world." For Leonardo, creation was not just about producing art, but about understanding the universe itself. Just as Grimes knew that she would be unhappy without her creative outlet, so too did Leonardo understand that without his work, his very being would be incomplete.

In Grimes’ words, we see not just the passion of an artist, but a deeper understanding of the human condition. Creativity, she implies, is not simply a matter of choice—it is an essential part of one’s identity. It is the fuel that drives the spirit forward, enabling individuals to find purpose, meaning, and fulfillment in their lives. Without this creative expression, a person might feel lost, as though their soul is not aligned with the greater rhythms of the world. This notion echoes the wisdom of Aristotle, who believed that happiness (or eudaimonia) came from living a life in accordance with one’s nature, a life where the soul could flourish through virtuous activity. For Grimes, and for many others, that virtue manifests in creation—the ability to shape the world around us into something new, something uniquely our own.

The lesson here is clear: the pursuit of creativity is not a luxury, but a necessity for those who seek a life of meaning and fulfillment. Just as the ancients saw art and creation as central to the human experience, so must we recognize the importance of engaging in creative endeavors. Whether through music, writing, painting, or any form of artistic expression, it is in these acts of creation that we find our true selves. The purpose of life, then, is not simply to exist, but to create—to bring something into being that reflects our deepest thoughts, emotions, and experiences.

In practical terms, we must ask ourselves: what drives us? What is the thing that makes us feel whole, that fills us with a sense of purpose and joy? For some, it may be the act of writing or painting; for others, it may be solving problems, teaching, or building. Whatever it is, we must nurture it, for it is in our creativity—our ability to express ourselves and shape the world around us—that we find our true calling. Let us take time each day to engage in the activities that allow us to create, to express, and to connect with the deeper rhythms of life.

Thus, the wisdom of Grimes and the ancient thinkers alike calls us to cultivate our creative instincts. It teaches us that happiness is found not in external accomplishments or material wealth, but in the inner satisfaction that comes from living in harmony with our deepest desires and passions. By allowing ourselves to create freely, we align with the ancient truths that have guided the greatest minds and spirits throughout history. Let us, too, honor our creative impulses, knowing that in doing so, we not only fulfill our own destiny, but we also contribute to the greater beauty and wisdom of the world.