[WalterBright]

Draw two circles, 1. fulfilling art 2. art that pays the bills. Create the art that is in the intersection.

Otherwise, you'll need another source of income in order to create fulfilling art.

There's lots of software I'd like to write. I've spent my time writing code that lies in the intersection.

[Eisenstein]

Let's draw another circle: things you make when 'financial obligations' are not a concern. Where does that intersect? Why aren't we drawing it? How much science was done by 'gentlemen scientists' who never worried about money? How much more would we know if that one person who could have figured out electromagnetism in 1400 didn't have to plow fields all day?

[WalterBright]

There are an awful lot of professions in the world. Surely people can find one that suits them. Life is what you make of it.

My personal dream was to become a swimsuit model, but it just wasn't working out, so I switched to software.

[Eisenstein]

You can't think of any other things besides genetics and self-determination that allowed you to be where you are now?

[WalterBright]

Opportunity presents itself to you and me every day. You can choose.

[yterdy]

You're conflating individual decisions with social structures that determine opportunity systemically.

[WalterBright]

The US has all the opportunity able-bodied adults need.

[fragmede]

That is a really great place for you to be in! Where code useful and thus valuable, there is a lot in that intersection. Unfortunately where art is concerned, that intersection may be an empty set.

[WalterBright]

I personally derive a lot of satisfaction from other people enjoying using the programs I write, and I love it when they make money using it. (Many have described to me how D gave them a competitive advantage.) Many give back by funding our annual D conference and providing funding for several of our critical staff members.

I wrote Empire for my personal satisfaction eons ago, and when other people copied it and spread it around, I discovered that it was a lot of fun to get unsolicited emails from people who liked playing it and wanted to let me know. I still get them regularly!

[thih9]

Sounds like you’re happy in that intersection - and good for you.