I just started reading Copyrights and Copywrongs, and have been rolling around in the romantic conception of the author and how Mark Twain effected our understanding of copyright as intellectual property rather than intellectual policy. One of the tough questions which comes up again and again with authors playing with copyright theory is why artists create. The video below, aimed at quirky business audiences, provides a slightly complex answer. It argues that people work for money until they have enough to not have to worry about money, and then more money does not effect innovation.
This fits with the argument Penelope Trunk makes that the jump in happiness between making under and over $40,000 is the biggest effect money will have on most people’s happiness. It makes you think the founders had something going when they set copyright for “limited Times.”
Inspirational Quote:
“Most artists, if pressed, will admit that the true mother of invention in the arts is not necessity, but theft.”–Chris Springman
An artist’s invention is neither for money nor theft, except possibly for fame. Most artists are driven from an early age to follow their dream and pursue what matters most in life to them.
I think that the big issue for many authors, artists, and innovative folks working in a variety of fields is getting to the point where more money doesn’t matter.