(Untitled)

[calli_thaala]

What does it mean to be a Libertine? Alternatively, what is a Libertine?

I'm looking for everything here, from direct quotes from the boys to personal definitions and everything in between.

Comments

[pherber9]

Well, ok. There's all sorts of proper definitions in dictionaries that talk of being a 'moral dissolute' etc. But, pfffft! Who's defining the 'morals' here? So, I can only give you my personal take on it because, to me, being a 'libertine' involves thinking for yourself. Standing outside the norms of society - unless there's a norm you actually agree with - and basically making your own mind up about things, free of society's strictures, religion's guilt-trip and parental programming.

And it's not easy. It's almost a lifetime's work. But one, I think, is personally worth doing and is most easily expressed through being creative in any way, shape or form. Why? Because creativity brings freedom. A must for any libertine. What you can't achieve in 'reality', you can achieve in 'Arcadia', or the creative/dreamworld realm. In reality, you might have so much anger in you, you feel like bombing your local shopping mall. BAD IDEA. In Arcadia, you can paint a picture or write a story or a song that unleashes all those feelings and transforms them into something else, something useful. Something beautiful instead of destructive. (Beauty being in the eye of the beholder, of course!)But, essentially, you can turn difficult feelings into something that not only teaches you something about yourself, but, if your really lucky, might touch others. Connect with the hidden feelings in them. Then, you're not alone any more, and neither are they. Result.

My peronal motto is: 'Nothing is true, everything is permitted. Know yourself and follow no one.' That's probably my most succinct definition of being a libertine, as I see it. But, it's not in any way a blanket definition for 'libertine', nor should it be. In a way, I think it's impossible to have one definition for the word. I think if you're a true libertine, you'd come up with your own definition. The one that's right for you. You have as much right as any other other fucker on this planet to think what you want and do what you do. It's up to you to get to know yourself and shape yourself into what you want to be. My only proviso would be, try not to harm anyone or impinge on the freedom of others while you do it. Because they have as much right as you to liberty and freedom.

I'm making it sound so simple, but it's really fucking hard!

I just, personally, think it's worth aiming for. And would improve this fucked-up planet enormously. Others will have their own ideas. Everyone's different.

Big hugs
xxxxx

[calli_thaala]

<3. So much.

I'm just not very good with words, so I have difficulty articulating such things. About the best explanation I've been able to come up with on my own is "It's about trying to live life on your own terms", but that's too simplistic, still not managing to incorporate everything.

Ugh. Maybe I'll try to tackle it in fic or something. Maybe I'll get somewhere then.

[pherber9]

"It's about trying to live life on your own terms", is perfect. You actually just said everything I wittered on about above at great length above much more succinctly! :)
I'd only add try not to encroach on anyone else's terms, if you can. Not always possible. But, it does stop you becoming a Johnny Borrell-esque arsehole. Yes, you ARE unique. Doesn't mean nobody else is, y'know? *friendly, cheeky wink*
Big love
<3

[calli_thaala]

I'm good at whittling down a beautiful bit of long prose to a bare-bones half-approximation. 's probably why I'm so crap at long fics and write so many drabbles. *L*

Oddly enough, one of the first things that popped into my head was "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" which at first glance was just like "WTF?" but the more I think about it... *shrugs*

<3

[esclarmonde2907]

No, I think that's pretty well incorporated within what pherber9 said above - if you want freedom yourself, let others have it too. xxx

[calli_thaala]

So I'm not the only one who thinks it kinda fits. Good. ^_^