“Do it. Or don’t do it. But you know. You. Know.”

The story behind the best advice for anyone considering a writing career.

The above image is a photo of musician David Grisman. He plays the mandolin and created what is known as dawg music. Here is Grisman on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson as he performed with renowned jazz violinist Stephan Grapelli:

Here is a video of Grisman performing with Jerry Garcia from The Grateful Dead:

I played music for a living for seven years, first in Aspen, Colorado, then Southern California. When you’re a musician, you hear stories from other musicians. This is a story I heard about David Grisman.

It seems that David is backstage at a festival. A friend is seeking David’s advice. As they converse, they share a joint. Thus, both are pretty well stoned.

The friend is going on and on about a decision he has to make.

Friend: It’s like, I think maybe I should go for it. But then, you know, it’s like what if I go for it and fail. But then, I’m thinking, ‘Hey, if I don’t go for it, that could be a failure, too.’ So I’m like stuck between, you know, going for it, which I think I should, but it’s safer to like not go for it because…”

This goes on for several minutes during which the joint is consumed. Finally, David waves a hand in front of his friend’s face, causing him to lapse into silence. David puts one hand on the friend’s shoulder. Then the other. Staring straight into his friend’s eyes, David solemnly says:

Do it. Or don’t do it. But you know. You. Know.

Then simply walks away.

When I heard the story with my musician friends, we all laughed. Ha ha! Stoned musician doing his best Yoda impersonation while stoned out of his mind.

But over the years, I have referenced this anecdote a number of times with people who have button-holed me with a version of Grisman’s friend’s questions: Should I pursue being a writer or not?

Clearly, the odds against any sort of financial success are astronomical. No rational person would choose to make that sort of lifestyle choice based upon the very idea of creating a sustainable career.

But…

Is that all there is… financial security? What about giving expression to one’s creativity? What about tapping into that passion and seeing where it takes you? If we only have one shot at life, why not pursue that which enlivens us, which brings us joy, which is our bliss?

In this Practical vs. Aesthetic debate, there is no right or wrong answer. Each individual has to answer on their own. Honestly, I think David Grisman pretty much nailed it with the advice he rendered to his friend:

Do it. Or don’t do it. But you know. You. Know.

You do know. Your mind may be blurring your inner truth. Or in your gut, you may not have that insatiable desire to follow your creativity to its end point.

Maybe you are supposed to do it.

Maybe you are not.

But if you get quiet… and perhaps a little bit stoned… you can get in touch with the deepest part of your Self and you will know…

Do it. Don’t do it.

But you know.

You. Know.

Here is an interview with David Grisman, the O.D.: Original Dawg: