The Details of the Disease
Ennui is perhaps the greatest illness for a creative mind to acquire. Mind-numbing is the most accurate term to ever be used for it, so shockingly true that one begins to wonder why “mind-numbing” isn’t in the very definition. As is almost blatantly obvious, this piece is nearly entirely created, in part, by the aforementioned affliction.
Ennui. Writer’s Block. Boredom. Stuck-in-a-rut…ity? By whatever name you call this demon, it is equally powerful. The most ironic part of it, however, is that its one cure is what it prevents: excitement, and creativity. If one actually puts forth the effort to overcome the typical writer’s ennui, they will notice a marked difference in their feeling. To stave off the effects of ennui, one must merely continue to try to defend oneself against the claws of boredom until the original boredom is forgotten! However, the most devious part of this disease is its cyclical nature.
To wit: I am bored, stricken with the curse of ennui. What shall I do? I do not know, and I have no motivation to figure out the solution, as I am too numb to think. Perhaps I shall lie down.
How odd, lying down has become boring. Perhaps I shall go to sleep, and when I awaken I will see a brand new world.
Strange! I awake, but I have no respite whatsoever from this overbearing feeling of eternal boredom! Perhaps I will go read!
Etcetera, etcetera, ad nauseum, until at last desperation claims its victim and brings the sufferer of ennui to the brink, at which they may either attempt to release themselves from the chains of boredom and try a creative effort, or return to the bowels of Creative Hell and serve penitence until another opportunity, brought on by desperation or outside efforts, presents itself.
Most, if not all, of the greatest minds of the world have suffered this sickness. It is of a universal kind to those of creative nature, and as destructive as the bubonic plague. One thing to ponder, however, is that despite this great destructive force, this obliterating power, mankind has forever striven to create more; As the plague was unable to destroy Europe due to the adaptability of human nature, so is ennui unable to destroy the world’s creative minds. Mankind, one of the most versatile creatures on the Earth, has shirked, if not overcome, ever known outside obstacle except one: itself.
That’s just something to ponder for all of you out there, to be remembered when you find yourself trapped in the abyss of boredom. No, don’t say thanks. You’re welcome.
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Tags: boredom, ennui, writer's block, Writing
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