Freedom to Create & Responsibility to Protect

Freedom to Create & Responsibility to Protect

In my last post, I explored the importance of allowing romanticism to have space in our lives, especially in a world that emphasizes productivity and efficiency above all else. We often feel guilty for indulging in creativity, beauty, and joy, but I believe romanticizing life on our own terms is essential—not just as an act of self-care, but as a quiet rebellion against the systems that tell us to always focus on doing rather than being.


But if I’m honest, embracing romanticism wasn’t always easy for me. For years, I struggled with it. After confronting the harsh realities of what it means to create in today’s world—whether through fashion, art, or any material expression—I became painfully aware of the environmental impact of every decision I made. I didn’t want to contribute to the harm. For nearly five years, I refused to buy or make anything beyond the bare necessities.


I see this same struggle in many kindhearted, ecologically aware people. If you’re one of them, I understand the confusion—the internal conflict between wanting to create and the fear of doing harm. But here’s what I’ve come to realize: we don’t need to choose between being creative or being ethical. It’s not a binary choice.


We often think of creation and consumption in black-and-white terms, but life exists in a whole palette of colors, options, and opportunities. Instead of asking whether we should create, maybe the question should be how we create. We need to be mindful of what we define as needs. And here’s the truth: creative expression is a fundamental human need. Creativity isn’t just a human trait—it’s embedded in Nature. Everything in the natural world creates: trees grow, animals build, birds sing. Creation is the basic principle of life.


So, rather than stifling our creativity out of guilt, we can focus on making sure our creative actions are clean. We can be intentional about the materials we use, the processes we follow, and the impact we leave behind. The key is to create responsibly, not to stop creating altogether. Creativity, after all, is what fuels life.


To me, romanticism is a movement of the mind that elevates life with imagination, beauty, and meaning. It pushes us to see beyond the mundane. On the other hand, realism grounds usit pulls us back to the realities of the world, to the consequences of our actions. Both are necessary, but when they fall out of balance, problems arise.


Too much romanticism, unchecked by realism, leads to escapism. Some may find comfort in escape, but in doing so, they risk supporting oppressive and exploitative systems, leaving a negative mark on many lives. We disconnect from the truth of the world around us, living in a fantasy that ignores real-world impacts. On the other hand, realism without the lightness and imagination of romanticism becomes oppressive. It leads to a bleak, joyless existence where everything feels heavy and uninspiring.


The danger of clinging too tightly to "reality" is that society often defines it in ways that are limiting. We’re told that our primary function is to work, that our value is tied to productivity, and that a good life is determined by how much we earn. But that’s not reality—it’s a constructed narrative that’s been repeated so often it sounds like truth.


This is where romanticism plays an essential role. It allows us to imagine something different. It gives us the freedom to rebel against the imposed structure of society and create new possibilities. Romanticism reminds us that life is about more than work, more than productivity. It’s about beauty, creativity, and finding meaning on our own terms.


In the end, we need both romanticism and realism in balance to live fully. Romanticism gives us the power to dream, to rebel, and to imagine realities beyond what society dictates. It allows us to create, to embrace beauty, and to find joy in small moments. Realism, on the other hand, keeps us grounded—it reminds us of the impact of our actions and the interconnectedness of our choices.


When we let one overpower the other, we lose perspective. Romanticism without realism can make us blind to the consequences of our actions. It leads to escapism, where we ignore the world’s problems, pretending they don’t exist. But realism without romanticism is equally dangerous—it strips away the meaning and joy in life, leaving us with a cold, mechanical existence dictated by productivity, where beauty and imagination are sidelined.


The challenge is to find balance—to create while remaining conscious of our impact, and to live meaningfully without being overwhelmed by the pressures of the world. We can be mindful of the materials we use, the choices we make, and the impact we have. But at the same time, we must allow ourselves the freedom to create, to express, and to live beautifully.


So, I encourage you: Don’t stop creating. Don’t feel guilty for romanticizing life in your own way. It’s not an indulgence; it’s a necessity. As long as we remain conscious of our actions and their place in the larger picture, there is room for both romanticism and realism to coexist in harmony.


Romanticism is not about escaping reality—it’s about imagining a better one. Let’s create and grow, out of groundedness and towards endless possibilities.

*Cover image is original art by Dina Mohrs. Please respect the creative process and refrain from distributing or printing without permission.

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