“On meurt deux fois, je le vois bien :
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Cesser d’aimer & d’être aimable,
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C’est une mort insupportable :
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Cesser de vivre, ce n’est rien.”. Source
These striking words belong to the French philosopher Voltaire. They translate to: “We die twice, I see it well: To cease to love and be lovable, that is an unbearable death: To cease to live is nothing.” While penned centuries ago, this sentiment powerfully resonates with the modern creator. It also mirrors a philosophy championed by one of music’s most iconic figures: John Lennon. For every artist, writer, musician, and maker, this message is a vital reminder. The true tragedy is not the end of a life, but the end of the passion that gives it meaning.
This exploration is for the unsung heroes. It is for those who create in quiet rooms, driven by a need that transcends applause. Your work matters. Your passion is your lifeblood. Lennon understood this, and his journey offers a powerful lesson in honoring the creative spirit above all else.
. John Lennon – The Beatles Story
The First Death: When Passion Fades
For creators, Voltaire’s “first death” is a deeply familiar fear. It is the slow fade of passion. This is the moment when the canvas seems hostile or the blank page feels like an accusation. It happens when the pressure to be “aimable”—commercially viable, popular, or agreeable—overwhelms the simple, pure love of the craft. Consequently, the joy of creation can curdle into an obligation, a draining task performed for external validation that may never come.
This creative burnout is the unbearable death. It is the silencing of your unique voice. Furthermore, it is a quiet tragedy that happens long before your physical life ends. The world is full of people who stopped painting, writing, or composing because they felt unseen or unappreciated. They experienced the unbearable loss of ceasing to love their work. This is precisely the fate that both Voltaire’s words and Lennon’s life warn us against. John Lennon – Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
John Lennon’s Legacy of Authenticity
John Lennon lived this philosophy. He experienced global adoration on a scale few will ever know. The Beatles were the definition of being loved and lovable. Yet, Lennon understood that this external validation was a gilded cage. He famously pushed against the polished image of the Fab Four. His later work, both with the band and as a solo artist, was a testament to his search for something more real.
He chose a path of raw, sometimes uncomfortable, honesty. Songs like “God” and “Working Class Hero” were not designed for mass appeal. Instead, they were fierce, personal statements. Lennon shed the skin of a pop idol to embrace his true artistic self. He risked being less “aimable” to stay true to his creative vision. This courageous act showed a profound understanding that the love for his craft was more important than the love from the crowd. He actively chose to nurture his passion, even when it led him down a less popular road.
Finding Your Voice Beyond the Applause
Lennon’s journey teaches creators a vital lesson. The ultimate reward is not in the applause but in the act of creation itself. The satisfaction comes from translating a personal vision into reality. It is found in the struggle, the breakthrough, and the final, authentic product. Indeed, this internal validation is crucial for long-term fulfillment. Creative engagement provides significant mental health benefits. Source
Unsung heroes of the creative world embody this principle daily. They are the independent filmmakers, the local poets, and the dedicated craftspeople who persevere without fame or fortune. They continue because they love the work. Their passion is the reward. They have chosen to avoid the first death, finding life in the beauty of their unseen and often uncelebrated process.
Embracing the Unseen Beauty
So much of creative work is invisible. It is the countless hours of practice. It is the crumpled drafts in the wastebasket and the painted-over canvases. This unseen labor is where the real beauty lies. It is in the quiet dedication and the stubborn refusal to give up. This process is a conversation between the creator and their medium. It is an intimate dance of frustration and discovery.
Many artists feel this disconnect. They pour their souls into their work, yet recognition remains elusive. A significant number of creators report feeling their efforts go largely unseen by the public. However, the true value of your work is not measured by likes, shares, or gallery placements. It is measured by the courage it took to create it. It is found in the honesty you poured into every line, note, or brushstroke.
Therefore, we must learn to celebrate the process itself. Find joy in the small victories and the quiet moments of flow. This is how you sustain your love for the craft. This is how you ensure your creative spirit remains vibrant and alive.
Your Work Is Your Legacy
In the end, Voltaire’s final line—”Cesser de vivre, ce n’est rien” (To cease to live is nothing)—becomes a powerful affirmation. For a creator, a life filled with authentic expression leaves an indelible mark. Your work becomes your legacy. It tells the story of your passion and your unique perspective. The physical end is inevitable, but the death of your creative spirit is a choice.
Let the message of Voltaire and the example of John Lennon be your guide. Protect your love for your craft fiercely. Create for yourself first. Find beauty in the unseen process and satisfaction in your own dedication. In doing so, you will have truly lived. You will have avoided the only death that truly matters.