While individuals with a sense of entitlement may often display selfish behaviors, resist apologizing, and express dissatisfaction when their desires aren’t met, researchers Emily Zitek of Cornell University and Lynne Vincent of Vanderbilt University suggest that there are potential benefits to this mindset. Their recent study indicates that a shared theme among the negative traits associated with entitlement is that these individuals value their uniqueness. In creative endeavors, being different can be advantageous.
The study established a link between creativity and a temporary state of entitlement—not a persistent personality trait. In one of their experiments, participants were split into two groups: one group reflected on why they deserved the best in life, while the other group pondered why they did not deserve such outcomes. Afterward, both groups were tasked with measuring their creativity through activities like finding various uses for a paperclip and drawing an alien from a distinct planet. Those who had been encouraged to feel entitled outperformed their counterparts, generating a broader array of uses for the paperclip and illustrating more imaginative aliens.
The researchers pointed out that a strong desire for uniqueness often drives individuals to break conventional boundaries, leading to more divergent thinking and innovative responses. It’s important to differentiate between types of entitlement, as the authors highlight that entitlement can be viewed as both a stable personality trait and a fluctuating psychological state. While the experiments showed that short-term boosts in entitlement can enhance creativity, a chronic sense of entitlement may not provide the same benefits and could even hinder performance on similar tasks.
Reflecting on my own experiences during graduate school for creative writing, I recall that labeling someone as entitled was one of the harshest criticisms we could utter. The power of this insult stemmed from its underlying truth: pursuing an expensive degree in a field with uncertain financial prospects necessitated a degree of entitlement, financial backing, or a willingness to embrace risk. However, the very act of asserting ourselves as writers and believing our thoughts were worthy of an audience also revealed a deeper form of entitlement. I remember using this term against others while simultaneously dreading its application to myself.
Nevertheless, the greatest takeaway from my time in graduate school was the realization that I had a voice that deserved to be heard, and it was not mere arrogance to think my thoughts could resonate with others. While entitlement can suggest an expectation that the world owes you something, believing in your right to good experiences and recognition for your work can be a positive aspect of creativity. This notion can be particularly challenging for many creatives, especially in a culture that romanticizes the “starving artist” narrative and often undervalues creative contributions—where creators are expected to be grateful for exposure rather than receiving fair compensation for their work.
This concept was brought to light recently when author Tessa Harrington expressed frustration on social media after her novel was omitted from the New York Times’ list of notable books. In her tweets, she passionately defended her work, asserting it to be exceptional compared to others on the list. While her outburst attracted criticism for its perceived negativity towards fellow authors, it also illuminated a sentiment many creatives harbor. Is it so wrong to believe in the value of one’s own creations?
Elizabeth Monroe, who is currently penning a book on creativity, eloquently addressed these ideas in her blog. She noted that “creative entitlement doesn’t imply behaving selfishly or believing the world owes you anything. Instead, it means recognizing your right to have a voice and a vision simply by existing.”
When I conveyed the study’s methodology to a fellow writer, he remarked that it sounded more like confidence than entitlement. It is noteworthy that the term “entitle” derives from the Latin word for ownership, while “confidence” stems from trust. The essence of this study suggests that while not every artist should expect accolades or recognition, taking a moment to affirm our self-worth before engaging in creative work can be a vital practice.
In conclusion, embracing a certain level of creative entitlement can foster the confidence needed for artists to pursue their passions and express themselves authentically. It is crucial to strike a balance between believing in one’s worth and maintaining humility, especially in an industry that often challenges the value of creative contributions.
For more insights into the world of home insemination and pregnancy, you can explore this excellent resource on intrauterine insemination or check out our guide on at-home insemination kits.
Leave a Reply