Edward Bond: 'I write plays not to make money, but to stop myself from going mad. Because it's my way of making the world rational to me.'

I write plays not to make money, but to stop myself from going mad. Because it's my way of making the world rational to me.

Edward Bond's quote, "I write plays not to make money, but to stop myself from going mad. Because it's my way of making the world rational to me," highlights the profound personal and cathartic nature of his creative work. Bond's words capture the essence of his motivation and reveal the true purpose of artistic expression - to provide solace, meaning, and clarity in an otherwise chaotic and bewildering world. His ability to transform the irrationality of life into rational narratives is a powerful testament to the vital role that art plays in preserving our sanity and understanding.In essence, Bond's quote emphasizes the inner struggle that compels him to write plays. It is not the pursuit of financial gain or success that drives him, but rather a deeply personal need to maintain his mental wellbeing. Writing becomes both a refuge and a form of therapy, allowing him to confront the uncertainties and complexities of existence by dissecting them within the controlled framework of storytelling. Through this creative process, Bond finds a semblance of order and coherence that the world often lacks, thereby preventing an overwhelming sense of madness from consuming him.This sentiment expressed by Bond strikes a chord with many creative individuals who find solace in their respective arts. It serves as a reminder that artistic endeavors are not confined to the pursuit of external validation or monetary gain. Instead, they serve as conduits for channeling complex emotions, untangling chaotic thoughts, and providing a sense of purpose and clarity.However, let us now introduce an unexpected philosophical concept to further heighten the interest in this discussion. Existentialism, a school of thought that explores the individual's search for meaning and purpose in an absurd and indifferent universe, offers an intriguing parallel to Bond's quote. While examining the fundamental questions of existence, existentialism emphasizes embracing the inherent ambiguity and lack of objective meaning in the world.Drawing a parallel between Bond's creative process and existentialism highlights the significance of art as a means to combat the madness and absurdity of life. Through writing plays, Bond confronts the chaos that often dominates our reality. His narratives present a form of constructed rationality that tries to impose meaning onto a seemingly irrational world.In this comparison, we find the divergence between existentialism and Bond's approach. While the existentialist philosophy encourages acceptance of the world's innate irrationality, Bond's creative process seeks to challenge and mitigate that irrationality through his storytelling. By endeavoring to make sense of the world through his writing, Bond grapples with existential dilemmas in a manner that aligns more with the quest for meaning and coherence than the acceptance of nihilistic indifference.In conclusion, Bond's quote illuminates the inner turmoil that drives his creative process, revealing the profound significance of art in maintaining sanity and making sense of the irrationalities inherent in life. His plays offer a glimpse into his personal journey to transform chaos into rationality. Additionally, by introducing the unexpected philosophical concept of existentialism, we can further appreciate the unique nature of Bond's approach. Ultimately, the convergence and divergence between his creative process and this philosophical framework ignite a deeper exploration of the complexities of human existence and the power of art to preserve our mental well-being.