In Bukowski and Taoism: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4qsiH2HnMeghJI I talk about his famous quote: "Don't Try" and how Bukowski has a lot in common with the Philosophy of Taoism or Daoism originated in China some 2500 years ago.
@Exodus26.13Pi2 жыл бұрын
Just discovered him and Dostovoesky a few weeks ago. My mind is swimming
@keithmahone672 жыл бұрын
Oh please stop. You're making a fool of yourself to Bukowski scholars. Bukowski didn't have a philosophy. He just had opinions and habits. He drank and typed. People like him because he said provocative things. He sounded cool. But you're listening to a drunk spew pseudo-profundities on a hit-or-miss basis. Might as well compare Pee Wee Herman to Daoism or Nietche or Gothic Artchitecture or whatever. It's the same thing. There is no connection. Any suggestion of one is contrived.
@What-vo5bx2 жыл бұрын
@@keithmahone67 well, that’s just like your opinion man ☯️
@jamesgarrison12582 жыл бұрын
@@What-vo5bx p
@christophermurphy10242 жыл бұрын
@@What-vo5bx the dude abides!
@marcritchie49682 жыл бұрын
" Im not wise enough to lead, I'm wise enough not to follow " wow!
@carlpeterson81822 жыл бұрын
But was he ever wise enough to know when to follow? I know it is just one of those pithy sayings but still. Sometimes you need to not follow but sometimes you do.
@fuchan707 Жыл бұрын
"I'm not dumb enough to lead, I'm wise enough not to follow."
@anthonymorales842 Жыл бұрын
@@carlpeterson8182 Agreed. Maybe not follow the rules but embrace them. Meaning see their value,I believe rules emerge with an altruistic orientation. Some of Bukowski insights though are very good, illustrated using an extreme opposite harsh social commentary.
@soloexperience Жыл бұрын
@@carlpeterson8182 he is saying he will follow Have to read between the lines
@JohnBrown722so Жыл бұрын
That's me right there
@samirparmar4369 Жыл бұрын
“If you read this after I am dead, it means I made it! “ what a strong statement! 👏
@jonvia3 жыл бұрын
"find what you love and let it kill you" may be the coolest thing anyone has ever said =)
@barflytom32732 жыл бұрын
well, someone said it and it wasn't Bukkowski ı assure you.
@TheAnonymousrogue2 жыл бұрын
@@barflytom3273 Correct, it was Kinky Friedman.
@barflytom32732 жыл бұрын
@@TheAnonymousrogue thank you. I didn't know who said it but I knew Buk didn't. He could have though. Bu didn't.
@mindsigh42 жыл бұрын
@@TheAnonymousrogue damnit, now i gotta look up friedman ...
@alinebaruchi19362 жыл бұрын
Nesse momento, cigarro e álcool barato.
@PJ-ns6um2 жыл бұрын
“The greatest crimes in the world are not committed by people breaking the rules, but by people following the rules. It's people who follow orders that drop bombs and massacre villages." ― Banksy
@scumoftheearth47452 жыл бұрын
@DSUM It says the greatest crimes. would you argue that illegal serial killings have caused more suffering historically than war, genocide, inquisitions, police states, class disparities, etc?
@Unfunny_Username_3892 жыл бұрын
@DSUM Mum says to bring those plates down sharpish.
@El_Gormo2 жыл бұрын
Following rules isn’t the same as following orders
@faustosar61512 жыл бұрын
The State is the problem.
@bramblebop19042 жыл бұрын
Whos banksy?
@michaelanthony3862 жыл бұрын
This is actually pretty inspiring. He was 49 when he started doing what he loved full time and he accomplished so much in 25 years and he died relatively young at 73 and look what he got accomplished. I'm 44 and I'd be happy to get half the resume that he did.
@Fiction_Beast2 жыл бұрын
It’s never late.
@erin792 жыл бұрын
Agreed, very inspiring. I'm 42, making the best music of my life, but not successful on a social/financial level with it. But I still feel confident that I can do the main thing that is in my control--do good work and amass a body of true art before I'm gone. The rest is somewhat up to chance, luck, etc.
@michaelanthony3862 жыл бұрын
@@erin79 Keep doing what you're doing and you find that you make your own "luck".
@paulcoldwell22372 жыл бұрын
49 plus 25 equals 74... just saying... and I'm nearly 50 - so I know!
@ssnabell2 жыл бұрын
@@erin79 keep doing what is fun, if noone recognize it in the end,,? whatever
@CookingwithYarda2 жыл бұрын
The full Bukowski's quote is ''Don't try, just type'' Many people don't realize that there are 3 or 4 mayor players in life : 1. It's not just the hard work you put it. 2. It's not just a talent you have. 3. You need a luck in your life too, to complete the magic circle. Great examples are the actors who admitted, that they have been lucky, like Robert de Nero, Johnny Depp and others. 4. could be friends or family. Like Arnold Schwarzenegger ones said, without all the people who helped me in America, I wouldn't be where I am now.
@skyblazeeterno4 ай бұрын
I think number 3 is the main one. I think people downplay luck as they want to feel any success they have is down to work and talent...it's like good looking men thinking they have charisma and game when it comes to success in dating
@Quickeasyguitarlessons2 жыл бұрын
So basically do what you love and if money comes that’s great and if it doesn’t at least you’re enjoying your life. I love his poems. Roll the dice, Genius of the crowd and Bluebird are amongst my favorite 👍
@Fiction_Beast2 жыл бұрын
Awesome. Yes, get something out of what you do regardless of the success that may or may not come your way.
@AnnaLVajda2 жыл бұрын
If you read his work and think he enjoyed life you do not understand his miserable existence and cynicism much.
@danteshydratshirt23602 жыл бұрын
@@AnnaLVajda I agree. Bukowski acknowledges that in books that he lucked out BUT he understands that most of us do NOT get lucky and we are stuck in the daily grey grind
@christopherogley17142 жыл бұрын
I once cribbed genius in class when asked to write a poem. The teach told me it wasn't a poem.. I had to correct her. Had to
@christopherogley17142 жыл бұрын
Why isn't anyone saying how absolutely funny he was .to the point of comedy genius?....the funniest.
@willissudweeks10502 жыл бұрын
Figured this out when I was like 20 and kind of just did what I wanted. Ten years later I have a better life than people who judged me and they’re ass hurt.
@Fiction_Beast2 жыл бұрын
Good on you mate !
@polybius23 Жыл бұрын
A lot of us figured this out. No one else said it like Bukowski, especially in his poems ("Nirvana" is pure genius).
@kevintheskullanderson28792 жыл бұрын
Charles Bukowski was one of the most overlooked, underrated literary giants of the modern world. He was basically Voltaire for a generation whose dreams died in the second world war.
@Fiction_Beast2 жыл бұрын
I agree.
@kevinedwards7079 Жыл бұрын
Yup no wonder it's because he seeks happy. ........but forgot about joy idiot
@Phosphene_Dr3am2 жыл бұрын
“Don’t try” has been a motto of mine now for many years thanks to Bukowski;😌 I have it written on my bathroom mirror and it’s helped me immensely in life and within all of my artistic pursuits. Thanx, great video.
@Chryztallic2 жыл бұрын
When you are in the "zone" in whatever you do, you literally don't try so it makes sense.
@al16652 жыл бұрын
I read "I have it over the bathroom toilet "
@savvybytes37488 ай бұрын
It is neurologically true that when you’re in fight or flight stress reaction from not feeling successful or not doing it well enough or trying to push to accomplish, your frontal lobes cannot engage. Also, the part of your brain that is receptive to inspiration is dulled. So when you’re not feeling successful, lower the bar :-)
@maayame31532 жыл бұрын
Just love this. Soulful expressions of a man who blossomed from dust and ashes through his feelings which he penned down. A great writer for sure unconventional and truly inspiring. Very enlightened. ❤
@MrUndersolo2 жыл бұрын
Glad that I found this on another weekend. Read many of Bukowski's best novels and I almost forgot that I am still on the right path with solitude, writing and privacy. Thanks for this one!
@sunintheeast3881 Жыл бұрын
Suggest me some?
@MichaelDOrazioMusik2 жыл бұрын
I know, I found my flow, But now I don't where else to go I think I know, Six feet below, Now I can blow, Thank you Bukowski, You were the man on the Go!!!
@bertstajn3920 Жыл бұрын
I first got into Bukowski around 30 years ago, and I'm still loving his stuff. Even though you only discovered Bukowski a few months before making this video, your analysis of his life and works is seriously fantastic. Great job!
@deadpoets1642 жыл бұрын
One of my favorite poets. He inspires me so much; he had a very difficult life at times, & he knew exactly what it was to struggle. He wasn't one of the rich, which is what made him so relatable.
@tazpoochie Жыл бұрын
The laughing heart is my mantra . Brilliant poem
@kskimsalinas2 жыл бұрын
That was fantastic. I've read and enjoyed Buskowski's books for many years now. I think you summed up the best in him. Thank you!
@Fiction_Beast2 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
@ARVINDKUMAR-if9er2 жыл бұрын
Sir please make review videos on the Prague cemetery and the name of the rose I need them for my academic purpose! Thanks
@Mike-ir9fx2 жыл бұрын
One of the greatest truthful and nihilistic writer's I have have ever read, no grey areas and deeply moving plus very funny 👏👏💯♥️
@Dycdom Жыл бұрын
"happiness should be come as by-product of what you do " I think this is most interesting approach to happiness I have heard for long time . thank you
@Einzelgänger2 жыл бұрын
Man, your videos are so awesome! 👍👍
@Fiction_Beast2 жыл бұрын
Wow thanks so much. I have been following your channel for many years. You’re an amazing content creator and in fact you inspired me to start this channel. So thank you!
@Einzelgänger2 жыл бұрын
@@Fiction_Beast Really? Thank you for compliment, and happy to hear that I inspired you to start making content. Love the long-format; must take a lot of work!
@asif6021 Жыл бұрын
@@Einzelgänger you both are awesome 😊
@JoseGonzalez-xw5xz Жыл бұрын
Both channels are insanely good, great content !
@mansigupta6996 Жыл бұрын
Your videos are extremely helpful and awesome👌👌 ..thankyou
@theletterwriter-n8q2 ай бұрын
Big fan here. The way you teach us is so complete, so organized, so brilliant. I have hope that, at 67 years old, following you, I will finally begin to get a Proper Education in Literature. Your stories of the storytellers are. . are. .. so perfectly rendered. Thank you big.
@ericdavidwallace Жыл бұрын
A real hero. Love this man. He has reaffirmed my thoughts on life.
@meansoftolerance2 жыл бұрын
His poetry was out of this world. A rough human being but a genuine one.
@Fiction_Beast2 жыл бұрын
I agree.
@heightenedsenses96052 жыл бұрын
Same. Gonna buy Pulp
@meansoftolerance2 жыл бұрын
Sorry, I understand that you don’t know Bukowski that well. The you tuber who covered him had just discovered him some time before doing this video. I ‘ ve been reading him for some decades and let me tell you, Pulp is not one of his best books, not the best point to start from.
@Fiction_Beast2 жыл бұрын
For me the best was post office followed by Ham on rye
@romeyperakovich79352 жыл бұрын
A rare case of an outsider artist making it. I have my issues with Bukowski, but I respect him immensely.
@gggallin82792 жыл бұрын
@@JinroTheCorpse absolutely true, most artists would be considered as mentally pretty unstable for example Kafka, Lovecraft, Van Gogh, Francis Bacon and so on
@lonniemanuel95702 жыл бұрын
It's because of their "outsider" life that they can see the world as it really is. Impossible to see from the inside. While most people go merrily along blissfully ignorant, outsiders suffer the truth. Most people couldn't do that. Outsiders lives are art.
@dcrea94162 жыл бұрын
@@lonniemanuel9570 hence the phrase “looking at things from an outside perspective”. Outsiders have a broader scope. Like astronauts looking at Earth.
@lonniemanuel95702 жыл бұрын
@@dcrea9416 outside the box, like taco 🔔
@peterivankovich29902 жыл бұрын
@@lonniemanuel9570 What if most people are at their happiest if they prefer to ignore realty? It`s not for nothing that the saying exists - if ignorance is bliss, why know? Quite a few outsiders wind up in prisons or as social pariahs because they don`t want to or can`t be like 'normal' others. I wish various pariah in the arts could be brought together for interaction to see how they would get along with one another.
@billenglish63522 жыл бұрын
Buk was a master of the moment and not giving a shit about what happens. He had no illusions about the human condition.
@Fiction_Beast2 жыл бұрын
I agree.
@martiallaw9509 Жыл бұрын
I own over 30 books written by Charles Bukowski and 4 Biographies. He was a prolific writer translating society through the lense of Realism. Beautiful and eloquent in a harsh overtones.
@cherylbenton71072 жыл бұрын
In my 20s I had a guy friend who loved Bukowski, his writing and his philosophy...and he embraced that kind of life. At that time, I didn't connect with or understand the attraction to Bukowski. Now, decades later, that guy is a wealthy capitalist embracing all the values of society that Bukowski disdained, and I'm just barely scraping by, but living an authentic, no BS life in a house in the woods, not attempting to blend with society. Funny, the twists and turns life takes. 😄 edited to fix a typo
@penguinuprighter62312 жыл бұрын
Well done cheryl
@princebonnie13572 жыл бұрын
Sounds like you turned out alright Cheryl! The capitalist dream and its attendant Society are nothing but cruel divergences from becoming authentic.
@Fiction_Beast2 жыл бұрын
I wish I was brave enough to move into the words. Maybe one day.
@cherylbenton71072 жыл бұрын
@@Fiction_Beast I'm not off the grid or anything brave ...just a house in the woods in Vermont. Winters are challenging, but the air is so clean and so many beautiful wild creatures around. I feel blessed! I grew up in Vermont, so it's home for body and soul.🙂💜🍁🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🍁💜🙂
@harryjones842 жыл бұрын
if you like bukowski now- have you read journey to the end of the night?
@nocturnalsingularity31382 жыл бұрын
I love the "don't try". I love this because i don't see it as negative, but rather very positive. (With a spin of cynicism). Life is too short, and too pointless, to try so hard that you find yourself in emotional ruins. Just live life, just go with things as they flow, and do not fight it. Not only will your life be over before expected, but hell, everything will be too one day. This world, our social norms, language, societies, fucking everything that we today deem of the utmost importance, the absolute, the logical, will one day be nothing more then lessons in some kids history books. our certainty in ourselves, and world is just fear, it is futile, therefore to try is to fight a losing battle. So just relax, no one is changing the fate of anything.
@patruff2 жыл бұрын
I am
@i_t_f_e___proems2 жыл бұрын
for most cucks yeah yet some poets leave monumental amounts of work or blood tribalism that would be paradise like hitler was building as todya we cant have one w western land only ours like asia or africa has.
@cosmicman621 Жыл бұрын
...it’s just Taoist..wu wei
@maq7392 жыл бұрын
Just don't stop brother . . . The world needs your videos . . . Fantastic.
@waynevanrensburg80372 жыл бұрын
Discovered him as a 19-year-old boy when I moved from South Africa to London.... Can’t tell you how he change my thinking
@Fiction_Beast2 жыл бұрын
Awesome.
@care4animals1142 жыл бұрын
I'm loving learning about this brilliant man. I love that he mentions my friend Christ Jesus so often. I'm loving the way you're explaining and relating his truths! Good job man.
@DanNic882 жыл бұрын
Jesus this guy mirrors my own outlook! I need to read all his books immediately! One of the best videos on youchewbe
@akeithing18412 жыл бұрын
I highly recommend it. So efficient with his words. Also, a great doc on him on yt called born into this
@zachhelfand7771 Жыл бұрын
Well done. I think this is my favorite of your videos. I began reading Bukowski recently, because of this channel.
@patriciarist8562 жыл бұрын
I just discovered your channel and I love it! I usually watch such content in my coffee and lunch breaks and this is just perfect ! My favourite genre is philosophical fiction and my favourite writers SO FAR are Pascal Bruckner, M. Houellebecq, Dostoievski, Kafta and I'm sure with the help of your channel I will have many more !
@johnmcclintock4422 жыл бұрын
Thank you once again, whoever you are. I found some Bukowski poetry years back through a friend who told me I reminded him of that drunken, boisterous, dirty, old dock worker. I didn't care much for what I read (I typically don't like the poetry of others) but instantly understood that here was a guy who truly didn't care what I thought, and feel in love with that. Your 11 Lesson analysis of his work and his life was compelling. I feel you revealed a talent I presumed to understand in a way that fully explained an admirable fellow creature struggling against the culture of Cronus/Kronos; a parent that eats it's own children. I don't read much, and seldom read critics, but you're proving to be a rather remarkable exception. Whether we write poetry, prose, or just criticism, and regardless of whether we write well or poorly, those who write for love of writing are all that's worth reading. You clearly love writing, you also write well, and I salute you. I've now subscribed to read more of you. Have a productive day.
@zachvanslyke4341 Жыл бұрын
Excellent synopsis. I’m a huge fan of his as well, and like you, I didn’t discover him until later in life. He was a great artist and just a super interesting, smart, and insightful guy. RIP
@vuksha8410 ай бұрын
He lived for writing, women, drinking, horse racing, and classical music. All of those things are captured in his best work - poems. You can hear all about it in his voice with classical music in the background. The album is called "Bukowski Lives!" It only misses one of his best - "Roll the Dice", but you can enjoy it in the movie "Factotum", Matt Dillon recited it perfectly.
@eddiemcguire62132 жыл бұрын
i discovered Chuck B. on accident in the early 90s . whenever asked by anyone about a food choice I would say "Ham on Rye" and one day when I said it to a friends father he left the room and returned with a copy of CBs novel and said here kid I think you can handle this kind of writing and I had to read all of his work after that my favorite author and 2nd favorite philosopher.
@Fiction_Beast2 жыл бұрын
That’s really amazing story. Thanks for sharing.
@barry51382 жыл бұрын
Ham On Rye is one of my favourite books. No pretentions, yet great insight.
@rawbinmo7 ай бұрын
I'm so bored with media. Disillusioned. With people, in general. I want to be enchanted. I want to be lifted. Inspired. I want to read, consume and converse with those who speak honestly and directly, in an elegant manner. Who understand human psychology, and therefore understand narrative and storytelling, and that it is paramount to their work. Most people bore me to tears. They have not enough empathy to make an effort to speak or write in a way that is interesting or easy to grasp for the person on the other end. They do not seem to understand the nature of communication: to understand and be understood. And the worst of it is the neverending list of excuses. It never ceases to amaze me. "I can't because of bla bla bla". Save it for yourself. You just don't want to. You don't care enough. That's the truth. I say stop rejecting yourself, stop ignoring truths, and start living, leading, an authentic life.
@mangoMango-ck3et2 жыл бұрын
He's lucky,he loved writing,, found his passion...and educated us,, thanks for the great video..
@Fiction_Beast2 жыл бұрын
You’re very welcome. Thanks for the comment.
@charumohan2 ай бұрын
Brilliantly presented, thank you so much!!
@laylaloussi24373 жыл бұрын
Omg the video that you promised me weeks ago!!! Im so excited thank you
@Fiction_Beast3 жыл бұрын
It was precisely your comment a few weeks ago that nudged me to make this video. I’m so glad you made that comment. I learnt so much about Bukowski and now a legend in my heart. So a big thank you to you. 😊
@rickmeras20362 жыл бұрын
Thats whats up! Gotta thank you random internet stranger for inspiring this video. Much props to the creator too. Y’all helped a soul out here keep writing
@lancelotdufrane10 ай бұрын
In these times of reversed reality, his honest reflections are so refreshing. Thanks for this post. It made me smile to hear such honesty, for a change.
@williesnyder28992 жыл бұрын
My late best friend’s favorite poet Now I have at least one of his books… Thanks for this episode!
@Fiction_Beast2 жыл бұрын
You're welcome. I'm sorry for your loss.
@AustinKaiserwutangforever3 жыл бұрын
your videos are getting better and better! I can hear you writing better and smoother. It's no wonder!!!
@Fiction_Beast3 жыл бұрын
Glad you think so!
@gurgisjones11202 жыл бұрын
I've never heard of him before this moment, but relate to him and his way of seeing the world. Thanks Fiction Beast and YT for the algorithm. I definitely want to check out his works.
@christopherogley17142 жыл бұрын
Dont watch documentaries before you read the books ..you'll just agree with the document. Document it yourself. Wow
@Fiction_Beast2 жыл бұрын
You can listen to his audiobooks on KZbin.
@gamezswinger Жыл бұрын
Love Bukowski . Self-dishonesty is the status quo. Self-honesty is REFRESHING.
@Potencyfunction10 ай бұрын
The company is red. And the brand is mushroom with distorsion
@krunkle51362 жыл бұрын
I think Bukouski's way of life, like Taoism, is a good personal doctrine, good raw material for dealing with life. Though in society, people need to get along and work in sometimes even rigid ways in order to accomplish goals like better development.
@theRookster2 жыл бұрын
7:25 John Fante is worth a mention here. If you read Bukowski’s intro to ‘Ask The Dust’, he talks about his influence and refers to Fante as his god.
@Fiction_Beast2 жыл бұрын
Yes, Bukowski does talk about Fante a lot.
@KManLeos2 жыл бұрын
Fante is the KING!
@michelepastele53472 жыл бұрын
Ask the Dust is worth reading. Fante's writing is simple, beautiful.
@likeajeanius73542 жыл бұрын
Really great video! You added a lot of perspective and context !!
@Fiction_Beast2 жыл бұрын
Thank you
@honorladone86822 жыл бұрын
I have never heard of this author but now I am definitely interested. He says it like it is. I like that.
@ThirdLens3 жыл бұрын
What a great video. So much effort you have put in to this. Keep up!
@Fiction_Beast3 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@madhuridas4745 Жыл бұрын
I like the accent of the narrator, very unusual and extremely fitting for wonderful narration of Mr Bukowskis life and work
@mirnasaade89383 жыл бұрын
Love your videos. Very informative and interesting. You have already introduced me to great writers and philosophers! My reading list is growing….
@Fiction_Beast3 жыл бұрын
Wow, thank you!
@bostonkanevideos2 жыл бұрын
My breakthrough take away from this is that Bukowski was a writer because it reminded him of the only time he was validated as a child - when he sat down and did his homework and it was approved by school teachers.
@AbshirFuaad Жыл бұрын
Nope. People like him don't care about validation and approval. He was being himself and individualistic. that is why he had such a rich insight. Unlike millions who lost their self and their inner soul so they can fit in with the society and get validation.
@cecilcharlesofficialАй бұрын
maybe validation was part of it (it's part of it for everyone, if we're honest)... but also, if we're honest, we know we've experienced this other thing called 'beauty' which can overpower us for no reason at all, and remind us there's this joy/awe we can tap into in life that makes things feel 'worth it.' When you're an artist, a real one, you've likely realized this "If I do XYZ type of art, or activity, I feel the marrow of life" - and you've realized that's the feeling you were chasing all along, and you wish more people could feel that, or have a consistent way to, because it again... makes life worth it. You just do the thing you love, and make what money you can at it, because you know the 'doing of the thing/art' IS what brings the feeling of success that you'd still be looking for if you weren't doing it (and working some other job, for ex). It's not black and white, of course, but 'the marrow of life' feeling is something different than seeking validation, and we must admit this.
@himbaerno12 жыл бұрын
Loved it! Thank you...it was just what i needed right now. Read the post office years ago and I think i have pulp getting dusty on a shelf...i may read some of it tonight. Cheers
@Fiction_Beast2 жыл бұрын
Wonderful!
@k-c2 жыл бұрын
Picking up reading a book after over ten years. Life sucks because I don't have the clarity like these amazing writers. I need to read more.
@Chercheure_Indépendante2 жыл бұрын
22:42 I particularly resonate with his Lesson 10 and Jean-Paul Sartre "hell is other people"
@deborahcurtis13852 жыл бұрын
It's also very funny.
@pstewart54432 жыл бұрын
I was always fascinated by Bukowski's life. I guess I found synonymous meaning with his take on the world. Thank you, for doing justice to his story. I try to be the type of consumer that appears to work hard and maintain a facade of concern for things which bore me, irritate me, I am not broken, or give the illusion that I am not a nihilist. Saints are only interesting, because of the quest to learn their secret selves. Perverts are those who sit both on the side of social-construct order and chaos which makes them most interesting since they are usually also saints.
@awestphal96022 жыл бұрын
Everyone (every soul) has within it the capability and tools to discover their secret selves. This was meant by the statement: First know thyself.
@deborahcurtis13852 жыл бұрын
A childhood friend told me as a young adult she was "trying to be bohemian". This is a contradiction in terms. It's why Bulowski's saying, "don't try!" The truth emerges that way. Bukowski would be the first to admit he's flawed. But you have to be flawed in your own way! Adopting a life of debauchery, or alcoholism won't necessarily turn you into a writer. It's an inverted snobbery the need to send out these signals, the persona of the lone wolf with anti-social affectations. Bulowski's demons, are going to manifest in a particular way, they're particular to his experience. But summoning up his demons won't turn you into a Bulowski. It's axiomatic. That said, you cannot do anything meaningful without having a degree of solitude, it's absurd to pretend otherwise. The artifice is what's to be avoided, whatever form that takes. Bukowski was afraid of comfort, but you don't have to wildly embrace discomfort in the desperate hope that it will give you a gift or his gift. Just don't embrace it enough that you lose yourself. But no guts, no glory either. Failure makes you who you are. That's what I get out of it, but I can't speak for anyone else. I'm not a drinker. I don't really follow genres. Will give him a go after viewing this, but I usually can't stand most male writers who celebrate perversity, at least not for long. It's good to follow your own instincts. Perverts aren't necessarily saints, it's poetic licence. He's being spare about paradox. 'Curiosity should prevail about people' is the point but it doesn't slice as neatly. it's like saying: what do we want? "Change" when do we want it? "within a reasonable time". No. The writer says you want it now. We're at the edge of a time which will break down structures. A good time to survive, be yourself and to write.
@gilbertdaroy60802 жыл бұрын
As a boy growing up he was EMOTIONALLY and PHYSICALLY ABUSED by his own devil of a father. Later he took this huge ulcer in his soul and made a worldclass writer of himself.
@michaelscottgamingco62192 жыл бұрын
Got me interested in reading his books now!
@john-paulhunt4512 жыл бұрын
winning is losing. next please.
@BunnyWatson-k1w Жыл бұрын
I fell in love with fiction reading at age 28 by reading Bukowski.
@目は心の鏡3 жыл бұрын
Don’t Try is more about not trying to do things that you don’t like. “If you have to try to be a writer you aren’t one. It’s when your sick with it and there no hope but writing.” Focus on the things you want but don’t try to want something you don’t want.
@Fiction_Beast3 жыл бұрын
I discuss this more in my other video: Bukowski and Taoism. Check out it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4qsiH2HnMeghJI
@barflytom32732 жыл бұрын
I agree. it's more like "don't pretend" to do something, do it.
@christianmoitzi88292 жыл бұрын
Very few with the brutal honesty of Bukowski. Massive respect!
@Fiction_Beast2 жыл бұрын
Agree.
@evanaguilar33992 жыл бұрын
I love your videos because it is so obviously evident that you love sharing this knowledge. Due to your passion for it, there is not a single bit of bullshit in your videos, no matter how long, not a single dull moment. Thank you so much!!
@Fiction_Beast2 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much!
@GregoryJWalters Жыл бұрын
Super literary analysis and Reception of CB! Thank you!
@Adrian_Weiss3 жыл бұрын
Wow, great video. Very informative and captivating! I think I should read something of his. I may have read a short story once....
@Fiction_Beast3 жыл бұрын
Go for it!
@talibanairport15442 жыл бұрын
Read Factotum about all his jobs he worked. Or Ham on Rye about his hilariously horrible upbringing.
@A_QuestioningSoul2 жыл бұрын
Accidentally came across this, same as we do, to almost all good things in our lives! Loved the introduction and the over all flow. The tone of your voice though is rather mechanical. But thanks for the hard effort and lovely work👍🏾🙏🏾🙂 Love from 🇮🇳
@Fiction_Beast2 жыл бұрын
Appreciate the feedback.
@A_QuestioningSoul2 жыл бұрын
@@Fiction_Beast u deserve a feedback and a heartfelt appreciation for the amount of hard work undertaken in putting something original out on YT. If I may, what softwares are u using to create doodle like contents?
@Fiction_Beast2 жыл бұрын
Thank you. I use doodly.
@A_QuestioningSoul2 жыл бұрын
@@Fiction_Beast Thanks🙏🏾
@phosphenexx32882 жыл бұрын
As a musician this inspired me. I let my passion consume me.
@mariams10312 жыл бұрын
Brilliant analysis and summary, thank you
@Fiction_Beast2 жыл бұрын
Much appreciated!
@lamb31342 жыл бұрын
My amateur studies of zen masters has been reminded by learning of this man. He has many characteristics of those who teach the way of Zen. I wonder if he ever realized the similarities himself.
@Fiction_Beast2 жыл бұрын
I talked about Bukowski and Taoism in another video.
@lamb31342 жыл бұрын
@@Fiction_Beast Sweet. Thanks. Totally watching this one. :D
@libornovotny9637 Жыл бұрын
He did. Shortly before he died he meditated and stopped drinking.
@Lesserplanet9982 жыл бұрын
This is a really good video... it should have millions of views. Keep making great content
@Fiction_Beast2 жыл бұрын
Really appreciate it.
@massonman90992 жыл бұрын
That was f.cking brilliant, mate. Just getting into Bukowski. This really helped. I used to think he was a bum, and didn't like him. Now I realise he is a bum and I like him.
@Fiction_Beast2 жыл бұрын
Awesome mate!
@fidesedquivide34868 ай бұрын
Read some of his poems years ago, felt like eating raw meat (never did actually, but felt that way somehow). Thanks for the summary of his work. Now that I am more experienced in life, I should give him another read.
@elmehdi3102 жыл бұрын
I love Bukowski a lot. His writings were my companion in the most darkest moments, BUT what I never understood is how he kept saying DON'T TRY, even he tried to be a writer for 50 years!
@DanRad442 жыл бұрын
Yes, what he probably meant was don’t “try” to force anything, just do what excites you and makes you alive, naturally.
@godnotavailable20942 жыл бұрын
He didn't try to be a writer for 50 years. He WAS a writer that whole time.
@masdavis2362 жыл бұрын
Before my grandfather passed away he gave me a box full of his favorite books, ham on rye was one of them I was 15 at the time , I read that book over and over until it feel apart
@Fiction_Beast2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing. I loved it.
@ronmackinnon93742 жыл бұрын
There's also a one-actor play about Bukowski and his writings, I think it's called 'South of No North' - I was fortunate to catch it on stage in the early 2000s.
@danteshydratshirt23602 жыл бұрын
sounds interesting
@scottmcamis21272 жыл бұрын
Got you on while im working. Love your videos.
@Fiction_Beast2 жыл бұрын
Awesome! Thank you!
@c.s.hayden30222 жыл бұрын
You can fail without being a loser. Popular success and the qualitative merit of a piece of writing are not one in the same.
@42STUKA2 жыл бұрын
You did a great synopsis of Buk, the quotes used were impeccable and pretty much nailed it.
@ramdularsingh14352 жыл бұрын
Quite nice !!!... Loved it all....
@Fiction_Beast2 жыл бұрын
Glad you liked it
@jupiter92172 жыл бұрын
Wow! I felt him with every single part of my body! Thanx for this great introduction. I think ive found my path! Even if it sounds painful but i like to be a masochist :)
@Remy2Stronk2 жыл бұрын
I feel that part about irrational desire to make art. I write raps because it happens on its own lol. I have made myself sit down and write before but my best ones have come from being so distressed or ecstatic, drunk etc... And i just start writing. It's beautiful and cathartic. truly it's beautiful
@benlotus27032 жыл бұрын
Love is a Dog from Hell. ~Charles Bukowski
@Yetipfote2 жыл бұрын
I think what I'm most impressed by are the different views and things the USA allowed to rise up: writers, movies, charismatic leaders, charismatic criminals, spirituals, wise, dump, cars, houses, armies, food, sport, innovation, garbage.... The USA seems to me to allow the most individuation of all cultures in history. It edges to chaos, actually, and is a bloody miracle to me that it survived so long as a people. I can only explain this to myself by assuming that enough US-Americans really belief in the USA and love it. I love it for sure! Greetings from Germany.
@remopiccioni94562 жыл бұрын
I can identify with him. I am 52 and got turned down for many jobs. I answer questions truthfully. I am not a good bullshitter. If I am just telling them what they want to hear I am very transparent. I have been working longer than most applicants are alive. My resume should be proof enough. Why should I talk about a job that was my least favorite? I quit that job is behind me.
@Fiction_Beast2 жыл бұрын
Appreciate you sharing your story. I guess to survive in today's job market, one has to bullshit, it just can;t be avoided. Telling the truth can set you back most of the time.
@remopiccioni94562 жыл бұрын
Plot twist I got a 2nd interview and a job offer. Lol. I guess I got turned down so many times. When I stopped caring whether I got the job or not the offer came. This is kind of like Alan Watts' backwards law. Lol
@danteshydratshirt23602 жыл бұрын
Im in a similar position. 57 done various jobs in offices mainly and then through necessity worked in retail in recent years. After a burn out Im wanting to get back into office work....youd think my 20 plus years of work in that sector would make a difference? No they just typecast me as working in retail...and thats the ones that give me half a chance. Any help from the Job Centre ( Im British) seems to be just large doses of copium ignoring the elephant in the room - employers consider candidates over 50 a burden - they want young gullible employees not ones that know the game. Yes I have a hard time bs-ing too
@ziranduan2 жыл бұрын
Respect from China. My English is limited, and reading English novel is a struggle to me. But your video made me want to read his works. Thanks!
@Fiction_Beast2 жыл бұрын
Thank you! You’re perhaps the only one from China. I’m glad.
@seagullpoet2 жыл бұрын
Fantastic review on CB. On writing too ! Very in-depth. 17:05 Jim Morrison, L.A lizard, would of became like CB. Convinced.
@Fiction_Beast2 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
@michaelquisutdeus29702 жыл бұрын
I could see that happening, very interesting speculation!
@varunpatwardhan1780 Жыл бұрын
15:17 was that supposed to be Afterward? :) Loved the video, summary and the philosophy btw! 💌
@gracefitzgerald22273 жыл бұрын
I love your videos. I’ve never read him but I saw Barfly, which I think was based on him. Thought it was spectacular. Thank you for the video.
@Fiction_Beast3 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much!
@jdt89832 жыл бұрын
Barfly was a good movie with great actors and shitty acting
@jelliott00772 жыл бұрын
Do yourself a favor and read Bukowski
@david-pb4bi2 жыл бұрын
@@jdt8983 Barfly was a shit film, whoever told Mickey Rourke he could act wants locking up. Bukowski is a brilliant author in my opinion.
@jdt89832 жыл бұрын
@@david-pb4bi yeah he did a shit job in that movie but I think he evolved in the movie the Wrestler. Thought that was a believable performance. And yup Bukowski was brilliant. A narcissist who pretty much just droned on about himself with covert self aggrandizement but worth the read for sure
@ashutoshpandey14873 ай бұрын
Loved your work!!
@raymondvaughn97232 жыл бұрын
I'm only a third in but want you to know this is really good. Keep it up to 10k hrs
@Fiction_Beast2 жыл бұрын
I appreciate it
@محمدالخضر-ذ6ب2 жыл бұрын
( نصيبك يصيبك) The translation of this old local proverb is : (It doesn't matter how hard you try,what's yours will get in your way.)
@harrybuttworth67652 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@Fiction_Beast2 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much.
@yacovmitchenko14902 жыл бұрын
I can appreciate some of Bukowski's thoughts. I myself often have difficulties being in large groups. Still, Bukowski's attitudes are one-sided: he tended to see all that was wrong in people (for the most part), he mistrusted them and was misanthropic. Although there are fake people, bullshitters who just conform to the rules of society, there's also much good in people, which I know for a fact since I've met and spent time with some of them. Although Bukowski's family life left much to be desired, it's not true to say that all family life is detestable. Bukowski made derogatory generalizations about family life simply because his own was shitty, but his statements are not accurate, even if understandable. The fact is that there are families in which love abounds between father and son. Just not in the case of Bukowski, and one must try to be objective. And what's wrong with watching TV or spending Christmas with one's parents once in a while? Provided you have many other interests, there's nothing wrong with it. People are like images or pictures with countless aspects, most of which you don't see or are too impatient (or pissed off) to see. Bottom line: you don't see the world as it is. You see the world as you are. If you're full of shit, then you'll tend to see most people as full of shit. If love or tenderness flows within you, you'll at least give people the benefit of the doubt, and your vision will be more expansive. You might observe, for example, that a person behaves badly, like an asshole, because of many issues in the background over which he has little control. Assholes suffer a lot; they have to deal with themselves (their minds) 24 hours a day, while you might only have to deal with them for an hour or two. So compassion arises. If compassion doesn't arise, you'll just make yourself more and more miserable. You stay away for a time, alone, apart from people such that they can't annoy or hurt you. But by the same token, you won't be able to form deep or meaningful relationships because of your mistrust and misanthropy. At least your negativity will seriously interfere with, or poison, any real relationship. Isolating oneself in this way is not freedom, as Bukowski believed, but rather a way to solidify the prison, however much one is compelled to write. Society is a prison yes (Bukowski got that right), but he failed to see that negative reactions to it, trying as much as possible to withdraw from it with disgust, is also a prison. His largely negative attitudes about people were themselves a prison and just compounded his misery. So it's all very well to be a creative individualist outside of society, but you can't fulfill your potential while harboring Bukowski's attitudes as here described. Solitude is great for creativity and clarity in general, but one must examine one's own mind, one's motivations, and be clear about the character of one's solitude. Not all solitudes are equal, not all lead to freedom. As for "modernity killing individuality" I'm not sure. Maybe. It would be truer to say that individuality has always been rare, regardless of the age. In all the other ages, there were countless phonies, imitators, and followers. Because they're all dead and forgotten, and because we only remember the creative geniuses or remarkable people, it appears to us that there were more individuals, non-conformists. The reason some might think there are more conformists today is because we can see them; they're all around. As for today's literary geniuses (and there are some), they may not yet be recognized or lionized as some dead writers because we're still too near them, and it takes time to fully appreciate great writers. Past writers have the advantage of time where appreciation is concerned. At any rate, the tendency of looking back to other ages, while fine up to a point, is often a result of false nostalgia.
@Fiction_Beast2 жыл бұрын
This is a very thoughtful comment. I really enjoyed reading it. For your last point, I tend to agree that individuality has been a rare commoodity throughout history. Also agree that we wouldnt know great writers of today, because time is usually a good judge of someone making it or not.
@yacovmitchenko14902 жыл бұрын
@James Declerk I agree.
@danteshydratshirt23602 жыл бұрын
@James Declerk I would put David Mitchell as a modern literay genius
@valentineotto109911 ай бұрын
Most people suck that's a fact. Same with western society 😅
@GarryCochrane10 ай бұрын
Excellent introduction to Bukowski
@lamusic19962 жыл бұрын
Thank you for this video work. The Universe had a choice between having Bukowski as a murderer or a drunk poet, writer. Luckily for all of us it turned out we read his books and poems. I love his thoughts, beer tastes better after reading, a pain in my soul gets smaller.
@Fiction_Beast2 жыл бұрын
I totally get it. I feel the same about him.
@bluefm7370 Жыл бұрын
My effing hero for years......Charles Bukowski, George Carlin, Dostoyevsky..........tell the truth.......how basic is this........great channel.....thank you...stay safe
@davemckay43592 жыл бұрын
His point about, people voting for someone who reminds them most of themselves, is pretty much psychotic.