Why We Need Artists

Since arriving here in Boulder, I have had the good pleasure of meeting and making good friends with a number of different artists (musicians, painters, screenplay writers, poets, etc.). During this time I have come to realize that artistis are not only a nice addition to a society, but are absolutely vital to any given culture. Why? Well, artists (if they are good ones) make it their business to spend a large amount of time thinking about and reflecting on deep and important issues. Things such as life, death, suicide, love, relationships, friendship, social justice, poverty, riches, and work are all the domain of the artistis. Artists spend lots of time ruminating on these things, and then put them in a form that those of us who don't have time or don't make time for such pursuits can recieve easily and profoundly. This is very important to a culture and society, and any society that doesn't have artists of some kind is bound to stagnate. So, my encouragment to all of us is to awaken the artist in ourselves, make friends with artists, and support the arts when we are able.