Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison (The Doors), Janis Joplin, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Amy Winehouse, and Kurt Cobain all died at the age of Twenty-Seven.

This is the momentous group of cultural icons that became Christ-like figures in musical/artistic history because of their tremendous effect on culture; and they all died at the age of Twenty-Seven.

Most likely a coincidence, BUT I believe their creativity-driven insanity that led them to pull back the curtain; only to find that the world revolves around a search for a non-existent purpose. A man-made concept meant to fill this void we call life.

It is all meaningless….Is it not?

We are born to a woman that decided to have intercourse (not necessarily carry a baby, AND raise it). Whether purposefully or not, why bring another life into this world of suffering with the possibility of being cursed with the perceptive ability to grasp reality untainted by day-to-day monotony?

The Hamster Wheel keeps turning.

Kurt Cobain worded the perplexity we call “happiness” in a fashion that resonates with me. On the song “Dumb”, he was quoted saying,

“I’m not like them, but I can pretend……I think I’m dumb. Maybe just happy, I think I’m just happy.”

You can interpret Kurt Cobain lyrics in a variety of ways, but I feel what he is referencing is the mask we wear in the presence of others (or even by lying to ourselves). I wear this mask at work, school, and even at home at times. Also, the saying “Ignorance is Bliss” seems to apply to what Cobain is getting at. I am particularly unsettled in the moments that I become self aware that I am going through the motions. I go through the motions painfully often. I hate every emotionless second of autopilot human interaction.

Co-Worker: “How’s it going?” Me: “It’s going well, how are you?”

I fucking hate that conversation. It is a useless interaction in a world that puts significant value on efficiency (but since it’s convenient, it’s okay). I don’t want to complain, but what if I said, “I feel like such a minute (small) fragment in the extensive existence of the universe we live in”. I know that would get me an awkward stare, but honesty is considered weird….. and I mean sincerely genuine honesty.

So, I’m Twenty-Nine years old….Will I join the Twenty-Seven Club (Pass away because of the unrelenting brain disease of addiction? I am past Twenty-Seven but the principle of their passing is what is the main motivating factor behind this writing. Well, first of all I’m not brilliant, and I haven’t fulfilled my lack of a “purpose” yet. Maybe that is the answer to it all…..refusing to pursue a purpose and letting your passion radiate through you, unhindered, to influence others. Break the code. Make people uncomfortable with your honesty, because they may feel the same way and need your passion; whether it be art, music, writing, orating, or solely an expression of raw emotion.

Until Next Time: Fly on, Little Wing

One of the surviving of the fittest.

L.A. Johnson