April 1, 2023
Today was one of those days when the grey skies mirrored my inner turmoil. I tried to share a piece of my writing on Reddit, seeking to connect with like-minded individuals, only to have my submission removed. They claimed it broke a rule about giving writing advice. This rejection was more than just a small inconvenience. It was a reminder of the barriers we often encounter when our intentions are misunderstood.
Such moments force us to confront our relationship with the external world. Michel de Montaigne once pondered, “What do I know?” in his Essays, asking readers to critically examine their own perceptions and beliefs. This question, often seen as the cornerstone of philosophical skepticism, invites a deeper reflection on our interactions with others and the points at which we intersect. Should we accept the external judgments as the final word on our worth and intentions?
[Link to an insightful article on Montaigne’s relevance today](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/montaigne/)
The Reddit post removal stated, “We are not an authorship or writing sub. Please do not seek feedback or instruction on your writing.” In essence, a boundary was drawn—a prescribed space devoid of what I had to offer. While it seems like a communal safeguard, it raises questions about the balance between structured norms and the fluidity of artistic expression.
Arthur Schopenhauer’s concept of the “Will” as the driving force in human nature offers a lens to explore this. According to Schopenhauer, our will is perpetually at odds with the conditions of our existence, creating an inherent tension. In the context of a removed post, this friction is evident. One might ask, how does societal structure stifle or inadvertently provoke the artist’s will? Can we find solace knowing that our internal desires are not necessarily aligned with external validations?
Artistically, the removal of my post resonates deeply with the works of Belgian artist René Magritte, whose surreal paintings disrupted the viewer’s perception, urging them to question reality. Magritte’s art often juxtaposed the familiar with the absurd, leading the observer to a new understanding or even discomfort. Similarly, the rejection of creative expression in a structured social platform forces us to re-evaluate boundaries and the meaning of space in the artistic community.
[Explore more about René Magritte’s contributions to art](https://www.theartstory.org/artist/magritte-rene/)
Reflecting on these intersections between art and philosophy, I remember a personal experience when I first encountered a Magritte painting in a dimly lit gallery. The painting, “Ceci n’est pas une pipe,” challenged my perception of reality, drawing me into an intense internal dialogue. It was as unsettling as it was enlightening, much like Schopenhauer’s assertions. This emotional turmoil, sparked by an image, forever altered how I perceive boundaries and defiance.
What do you think? Have you experienced rejection or misunderstood intentions in a way that led you to deeper introspection or understanding? Share your personal experiences or thoughts. Engaging in this dialogue may reveal nuances we often overlook.
[Learn more about Schopenhauer’s philosophical works](https://iep.utm.edu/schopenh/)
[Discover the impact of philosophical skepticism with Montaigne](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michel_de_Montaigne)
[Uncover the legacy of René Magritte and his surreal masterpieces](https://www.brusselsmuseums.be/en/museums/magritte-museum)