Creatively Saving the World

[Seekr]

Hi everyone in the forums,
I'm new here and I've come to you, because I have troubles with my life purpose:

I am 22 years old and currently pursuing a career in graphics design. After years of boring state schooling that I hated and that drove me to the edge of depression, I have finally found a place where I feel I could belong. The education at art school is so fascinating and inspiring, it feels like I'm walking in a dream.
However, my rising interest in ethical living and contribution is making this dream feel increasingly jaded. I feel like I'm playing around in disneyland, while the rest of the world is turning to ****.

I feel a strong responsibility to act upon the poverty, hunger and misery that is plaguing the developing countries. But I can't see a way to achieve this in the career I'm in right now. After all, what difference does it make, whether or not I design great stuff for some company, in the grand scheme of things? Maybe a little one but it would still be far from significant and definitely not the best I could do.

I think the people who have the most influence on the worlds big problems are the ones in charge of politics and economics. However, I really suck in these fields, whereas I'm pretty talented in creative fields like drawing, writing or making music.

And this is why I've come to you. Can you suggest me ways of using my creative talents to make the world a significantly better place? And I'm not talking about "a better place" in the vague sense most people use it. After all you could say, every creative work makes the world a better place. But all these things (as interesting as they might be) lose their value, when half humanity is going down the drain. I think the last thing our world needs is more entertainment...

I have also considered, to try to earn as much money in the fields I'm talented in and donate as much as I can to the fields I'm concerned about. But as Steve puts it in one of his posts (Contributing Through Your Career), I feel that that would only be a cop-out method. Making something you care about your career is much more effective than taking the circuitous route of donations.

Yours,
Seekr

[learningwarrior]

If you want to make the world a better place, ditch all of your talents and find something a skill that a community needs. Teachers or Translators or both, if you are wealthy build libraries. Teach people who want to be taught to help themselves. It's no good to pick someone up for a moment and tell them they are special, feel good yourself and then go on to the next person thinking that you did something worth while. True change comes from helping others to help themselves and to learn how to do that is a journey in itself that will take about 5 or more years.

[Brenden Cameron]

Originally Posted by learningwarrior

If you want to make the world a better place, ditch all of your talents and find something a skill that a community needs.

Whoa! Wait... what?! Ditch all your talents? I don't even know what to say to that... how is that helpful in the least?!



Well Seekr, I can definitely say you're not alone in this situation. I've been very conflicted between wanting to do creative work that I "enjoy" and wanting to do work that "makes a difference".

I've realized though, that it is possible to do both. Creative work, at it's best, can make a massive difference. In your case, you could apply your graphic design work to companies and organizations seeking to help 3rd world countries; helping with awareness campaigns, internet sites, etc...

It sounds like you have several limiting beliefs about your talents... and the world in general. For example:

Originally Posted by Seekr

I think the people who have the most influence on the worlds big problems are the ones in charge of politics and economics. However, I really suck in these fields, whereas I'm pretty talented in creative fields like drawing, writing or making music.

Why is it you think politicians and bankers will solve all the world's problems? Heh... I mean... half the time they're the cause of the problems, right!

Seriously though, no musicians, artists, etc, come to mind when you think of people who have "changed the world"?

[Seekr]

Well as to ditching my talents: I'm afraid it's not that easy. My life experience massively suggests, that I am WAY more effective when I use my talents vs. when I work against them and I currently see no way of changing this fact.

Brenden Cameron: First of all, thanks for your nice words, it's nice to know, that I'm not the only one who feels this way.

I myself am a great admirer of art and of course I can think of numerous creative people who have done great things in this field.
However, it don't think that OUTSIDE of the art world, they had much effect at all. I mean, compare Picasso and Gandhi: Both were very influential in their fields, but which one saved more lives? I think we have a clear winner on this one.
The only notable exception I can think of is the Hippie movement, which contributed massively to issues like women's rights and the vietnam war. But as I said, that is the ONLY one. The fact, that politicians and bankers are at the root of most of what goes wrong in this world, is not evidence for the importance of art, but rather that these people have the most power over what happens in the world and are therefore responsible for changing it.
I would really like to believe all the fancy artists that say their work is revolutionary and changing the world and society whatnot, but I just don't see it happening. Any evidence for this would be appreciated though

Doing things like awareness raising campaigns would be a great way to use my talents, I agree with you on that, but I don't think I could make a living doing that or at least I don't see how. Any Ideas?

[rei]

as to your last question, you could market yourself as a socially conscious graphic designer.

it's possible to make a living as service-to-all, to get the bills paid, but it's only practical to be aware ahead of time of the typical difference between doing work like that and doing corporate work - obviously, if you're only doing something to make money and you don't care about the ethics, it's easier to get rich than it would generally be if the ethics matter to you.

i think there could be a good market out there for a socially conscious graphic designer. people with integrity like to work with people with integrity.

you could also decide to spend your professional time doing projects that will make you more money, but use that money to finance endeavors that help with global issues.

i'm an idealist, i went from an artistic focus (Master's in poetry) to a contributing focus (Master's in social work), so i do understand the mindset here. but you MIGHT be setting yourself up for a hard comedown to expect to tackle things at the level you're wanting to. if a number of individuals have contributed to a specific issue, then either a number of individuals or one individual with incredible resources are logically needed to address the issue.

you could get your professional degree, and in your spare time join or create coalitions that work together to effect a change. is there some reason it MUST be your actual career?

also, something that helped me, albeit a tough lesson for me to learn, relates to the hermetic principle. if the inner reflects the outer and the outer reflects the inner, then i am also helping the world by helping myself (emotionally and spiritually i mean, i don't mean self-centered stepping over people on the way to the top). there's a chance all the social problems boil down to the issues that people deal with inside. by spending some energy addressing my own issues, and encouraging others to do so as they are open to it, i find this does have a ripple effect. if enough of us choose to heal ourselves, it's only logical to see that healing reflected in the external world. like i said, i learned that lesson reluctantly.

[Seekr]

Hi rei!

I am aware that I am choosing a hard path but does it really matter if your heart desires it? Financially, it doesn't really bother me. A career like this will probably not make me rich but that is of secondary importance. I also may only be able to contribute a small drop in the ocean of the world's issues but there have also been enough individuals that have massively influenced the issues they cared about, so who knows.
Whatever the case may be, all I'm trying to do is to do the BEST thing I can do and let fate decide over the rest.

Keep the ideas coming!

Yours,
Seekr

[Seekr]

I did a bit of soul searching this morning and this is what I found out:

The problem seems to be, that most people are not motivated by ethical motives. I mean nowadays everybody knows about the misery of the third world, but how many do something about it? Sure, they may donate a little to keep their conscience quiet but when it comes to making significant sacrifices (and that's what it would take to make real improvements) they are not interested. Of course there are exceptions and people who really commit themselves to improving the world, but the indifference of the majority is what is responsible for poverty, hunger and war.

So because I have this belief, I see little hope in "convincing" people to act ethically with creative work. It seems that the only way is for them to be forced, either by laws like international trade agreements or by rewarding them with money, which would need a change in the economic system.

What are your thoughts about this? Do you think my belief is right?

[Canadian]

Originally Posted by Seekr

So because I have this belief, I see little hope in "convincing" people to act ethically with creative work. It seems that the only way is for them to be forced, either by laws like international trade agreements or by rewarding them with money, which would need a change in the economic system.

What are your thoughts about this? Do you think my belief is right?

If as you say it must be forced, won't it be necessary for the politicians to be ethically-minded? Who will convince them to work ethically? Considering we all live in republics (I assume) aren't the actions of the politicians predominantly influenced by the mindset of the general public? So won't the people being convinced to live more ethically be a prerequisite to any laws or mandates?

I would strongly disagree that convincing people to think ethically is not worth the effort, it only seems futile because it is practically unquantifiable. Everyone knows advertising products and services is extremely effective, what reason is there it wouldn't work for something more meaningful?

[Brutha]

Ethics and getting people to do something are complicated topics.

The reason that most people don't do something about the misery of the world doesn't lie in them not feeling any motivation. They rather have a similar problem as you do, it's hard to change the world. It's hard to see a way.
Most people just do what society expects them to do and life their life according to defaults.

What-society-expects is something that can change. It's what culture is about. Fixing cultural problems isn't easy but it's a course that worth fighting.

[jphaas]

Originally Posted by Seekr

The problem seems to be, that most people are not motivated by ethical motives. I mean nowadays everybody knows about the misery of the third world, but how many do something about it? Sure, they may donate a little to keep their conscience quiet but when it comes to making significant sacrifices (and that's what it would take to make real improvements) they are not interested. Of course there are exceptions and people who really commit themselves to improving the world, but the indifference of the majority is what is responsible for poverty, hunger and war.

I don't think people do much for the third world directly because donating resources isn't a very good path for helping. For instance, if me and everyone else in my community gave away our money until our average standard of living equalled the average standard of living of everyone else, we'd be a lot worse off and the rest of the world wouldn't be that much better off. So I don't think people only give a little to keep their conscience quiet -- I think they give a little because if you take giving a lot to the logical extreme, it gets a little silly.

What I think knowing about extreme poverty should do is inspire you to hold yourself to a higher standard of living your own life: e.g. don't just live to eat, sleep, and watch TV, live to make a difference. That path makes a lot more sense to me as a long-term solution because I think that if enough people commit themselves to living more consciously, it will cause society to function better, the government to make better decisions, and the world economy to be more productive for everyone. E.g., solve the local problems first, then the regional, then the global.

[rei]

Originally Posted by Seekr

I did a bit of soul searching this morning and this is what I found out:

The problem seems to be, that most people are not motivated by ethical motives. I mean nowadays everybody knows about the misery of the third world, but how many do something about it? Sure, they may donate a little to keep their conscience quiet but when it comes to making significant sacrifices (and that's what it would take to make real improvements) they are not interested. Of course there are exceptions and people who really commit themselves to improving the world, but the indifference of the majority is what is responsible for poverty, hunger and war.

So because I have this belief, I see little hope in "convincing" people to act ethically with creative work. It seems that the only way is for them to be forced, either by laws like international trade agreements or by rewarding them with money, which would need a change in the economic system.

What are your thoughts about this? Do you think my belief is right?

aww... i was not offering my suggestions to lead to any pessimism
but i should not assume there is a causal relationship either. i was merely trying to offer some ideas that might save you from the crash when we see how apparently insurmountable the task seems to be.

it was quite overwhelming for me. even now, in one of my classes, the textbook started out with this talk of how one person can't fix all these systemic issues. it made me sad but we can still do our best with the resources we have. are you not comfortable with the idea of contribution to a more ideal world unless you can fix everything? is it not enough to do your part, to do more than the average person will probably do?

i am not sure it needs to be a choice of extremes - do nothing or do everything. it can also be do the best you can. lead by example and you might be amazed at the difference this simple thing can make.

pay it forward. service-to-all is contagious, and my understanding is that service-to-self contributes to the divide between have and have not. so, if serving all is contagious then we can also make a difference in dedicating ourselves in that way.

i also don't think it needs to be a matter of force. force is how many of those with more resources got there in the first place. eye for an eye and all of that... so, being the change is a valuable option, that may offer more pleasing results even if it may also seem to take longer.

[Mike75]

Its only you who can tell and motivate yourself to do great things for this world. One suggestion that I can give to you is to use your Graphic Designer skills to help people with disability. People with speech and hearing problems can really use people from your field to help them understand computers and the world better.

[Seekr]

Wow, so many comments ... cool!

First of all Rei, my thougts are not your fault. I don't think it is ever a bad thing to make someone think about their world views. I've stated in another post, that I'm not trying to save the world on own. I'm merely trying maximize to my contribution. Therefore, answering questions like "Can advertisement make people behave more ethically" is very important and that's what I'm trying to do.
In fact, my need for doing the best I can is what makes my situation so difficult. If I would aim to just do something good, it wouldn't be that hard. It is also the reason, why solving local problems first doesn't appeal to me. Maybe I didn't fully understand your reasoning jphaas, but the way I see it, people in my country (Austria) are already a lot better off than those in poor countries. Therefore, it would be a relative waste of my time to make their lives EVEN MORE comfortable, compared to the problems I could solve for those who are more in need.

Now the comments saying that changing people's minds is important indeed really made me think. I guess you could actually be right but if so, I have no idea how one could do that

[Lauxa]

What specific problems do you care the most about that you would like to help to solve?

[Maguru]

Originally Posted by Seekr

Hi everyone in the forums,
I'm new here and I've come to you, because I have troubles with my life purpose:

I am 22 years old and currently pursuing a career in graphics design. After years of boring state schooling that I hated and that drove me to the edge of depression, I have finally found a place where I feel I could belong. The education at art school is so fascinating and inspiring, it feels like I'm walking in a dream.
However, my rising interest in ethical living and contribution is making this dream feel increasingly jaded. I feel like I'm playing around in disneyland, while the rest of the world is turning to ****.

I feel a strong responsibility to act upon the poverty, hunger and misery that is plaguing the developing countries. But I can't see a way to achieve this in the career I'm in right now. After all, what difference does it make, whether or not I design great stuff for some company, in the grand scheme of things? Maybe a little one but it would still be far from significant and definitely not the best I could do.

I think the people who have the most influence on the worlds big problems are the ones in charge of politics and economics. However, I really suck in these fields, whereas I'm pretty talented in creative fields like drawing, writing or making music.

And this is why I've come to you. Can you suggest me ways of using my creative talents to make the world a significantly better place? And I'm not talking about "a better place" in the vague sense most people use it. After all you could say, every creative work makes the world a better place. But all these things (as interesting as they might be) lose their value, when half humanity is going down the drain. I think the last thing our world needs is more entertainment...

I have also considered, to try to earn as much money in the fields I'm talented in and donate as much as I can to the fields I'm concerned about. But as Steve puts it in one of his posts (Contributing Through Your Career), I feel that that would only be a cop-out method. Making something you care about your career is much more effective than taking the circuitous route of donations.

Yours,
Seekr

I believe our purpose is more in our being rather than our doing. I think we are somewhat restricted in what we do as we have to survive within our society. Your heart's in the right place and you deserve to live a happy life. I doubt you personally can change the world but if we all carry your sentiments towards others less fortunate, then I believe we will. Warmest wishes

[pinky3]

Originally Posted by Seekr

Hi everyone in the forums,
I'm new here and I've come to you, because I have troubles with my life purpose:

I am 22 years old and currently pursuing a career in graphics design. After years of boring state schooling that I hated and that drove me to the edge of depression, I have finally found a place where I feel I could belong. The education at art school is so fascinating and inspiring, it feels like I'm walking in a dream.
However, my rising interest in ethical living and contribution is making this dream feel increasingly jaded. I feel like I'm playing around in disneyland, while the rest of the world is turning to ****.

I feel a strong responsibility to act upon the poverty, hunger and misery that is plaguing the developing countries. But I can't see a way to achieve this in the career I'm in right now. After all, what difference does it make, whether or not I design great stuff for some company, in the grand scheme of things? Maybe a little one but it would still be far from significant and definitely not the best I could do.

I think the people who have the most influence on the worlds big problems are the ones in charge of politics and economics. However, I really suck in these fields, whereas I'm pretty talented in creative fields like drawing, writing or making music.

And this is why I've come to you. Can you suggest me ways of using my creative talents to make the world a significantly better place? And I'm not talking about "a better place" in the vague sense most people use it. After all you could say, every creative work makes the world a better place. But all these things (as interesting as they might be) lose their value, when half humanity is going down the drain. I think the last thing our world needs is more entertainment...

I have also considered, to try to earn as much money in the fields I'm talented in and donate as much as I can to the fields I'm concerned about. But as Steve puts it in one of his posts (Contributing Through Your Career), I feel that that would only be a cop-out method. Making something you care about your career is much more effective than taking the circuitous route of donations.

Yours,
Seekr

I love this post because it also shows us how many people (albeit not many on this post yet) actually care about our world and others in it. I think to start off you could think about how there are others in the world that think like you and it's not your responsibility to help everyone! I have this idea where I want to change the world single handedly (as I've seen and am sure many of you do). I have this vision of people knowing my name and saying "wow look what she did for all these people!"- kind of like Mother Theresa or something. And then I realise that is just ridiculous! Do I want to help other to make people think I'm awesome or do I want to help others to help others... ok going off topic for a bit...

What I really wanted to say (as others have already touched on) that you can use your talents to make a difference! What's the point in doing something you're maybe not good at just because others help people in that way. For instance just making an advertisement for someone or their shop window could bring in customers and maybe help that person who owns the shop to look after their family?? My brother's in graphic design, and admittedly doesn't save the world with it, but I see the passion and skill that he has and I know he could do something great with it if he wanted to.

I was happy to read your post and the replies because I have had this question for years! What career is there that actually helps loads of people?? My answer was that everyone who chooses to help in their path of life will help. If you put your mind to using your graphic design to help others then great! And your career doesn't have to be the only place. Help your family, friends, those around you. "Start with yourself", I hate that cliche but it's so true! Or people stay "Start small and your idea will grow" I always say "start with the big idea, the big picture and all your small actions will lead you towards that" or "rather aim high and reach lower than aim low and reach low".

Another bit of food for thought. I live in South Africa, which is said to be third world. I see people every day begging on the streets and sleeping on the pavement (sidewalk?). I'm telling you now... not to be discouraging, but people's small contributions will definitely help but they will by no means solve the problem. "If you give a man a fish he will eat for a day, if you give him a rod and teach him to fish he will eat for life." What I'm trying to say is that our country and other African countries and all countries need better governance and better infrastructure and people in power who think of the people. We don't have that. You can't change that in third world countries. It is so disheartening and I don't intend to discourage but what I'm trying to say is.... you've started right and have the idea. So just encourage opportunities that nurture that desire. Don't change your whole life because of it. Unless you really want to??

Sorry for the bits and pieces of ideas, that's how my brain processes these topics