What is it Exactly?

I often find myself asking the question: What is literature? Not just that, but what is art? It always takes me to different trains of thought.

First, I tend to think back all the way to very beginning of humanity and try to comprehend the start of these things. They were created because humans enjoy expression, right? Forgive me if this sounds silly to ask. That answer seems to shallow in comparison to the complexity of the human mind.

Then, I think it's more along the lines of we need expression. Why? I'm not sure of that. It is necessary for us to somehow, in some way, convey our feelings, thoughts, etc. That's why people keep diaries, teenagers rant, and a lot of the time that's why people talk in general. It's curious, but it's true. Writers and artists - synonymous, really - may have an extended desire to do so, and the ability to carry it out. By them creating, others without such a talent can feel and express, too.

Finally, I become happy with the results of such thinking, but then I come to the most difficult question: Why is it that we aren't always allowed to pronounce how we think or feel if it is so vital to the human psyche? Books have been banned for hundreds of years and they still are today. It is that our ideas, opinions, and thoughts are truly that powerful, that they must be hidden or forbidden? Thoughts have, however, been known to create havoc. But as important as expression of feelings and thoughts are, as long as they're not overtly negative or unlawful like Hitler's idea of the Jews, what's the problem?

I found a music video that was very eye-opening; it touched on this subject. It's very symbolic of the entertainment industry and art, and the oppression that goes along with it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdH1GwyZJuY&feature=player_embedded

They sport the symbol for Art is Resistance:
http://www.artisresistance.com/warning.htm

With that, I had a new lead in my quest for answers. Maybe that's it. Art IS resistance. It liberates us in ways that we - I, at least- don't quite grasp. Sure, this leaves the question of, "How does it free us and why is that so omnipotent?" but I'll have to save that for another day.

The Beginning

I have never had a blog or ever thought I would. I must admit that I feel awkward doing this.I will write about all things concerning literature; how I feel about it, what I got from it. To put my opinions, my interpretations out here feels... strange. I'm the type that usually keeps to myself. Although, I can't say that I am not somewhat enthused to have one.

I am not the best writer out there, surely not, and that adds stress to the whole thing. But I've learned that working under some sort of stress, anxiety, or self-consciousness makes for better, more disciplined results. This could be great for my writing. That being said, I cannot guarantee the most intriguing or well-organized posts. However, I can guarantee that I will grow from this as a writer and as a thinker - two things I would be pleased to advance in.

I hope to gain from this experience, and I hope that you, the reader, might gain something from it, too.