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In 2006 Kurt Vonnegut wrote a letter to a high school class

@karli_at_hili

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Why it worked

The post leverages the wisdom and enduring appeal of a beloved author, Kurt Vonnegut, to deliver a universally resonant message about creativity and self-discovery. The format of a letter to students makes the advice feel personal and accessible, while the visual presentation of text on evocative imagery enhances engagement.

Summary

This post shares a letter written by Kurt Vonnegut in 2006 to a high school class, offering advice on practicing art and finding one's inner self. The letter encourages creative expression for personal growth rather than for fame or money.

Structure

1Introduction to Kurt Vonnegut's letter
2Vonnegut's advice on practicing art
3Specific creative assignments and encouragement
4The reward of self-discovery and growth
5Closing remarks and signature

On-screen text

In 2006 Kurt Vonnegut wrote a letter to a high school class This was his advice... What I had to say to you, moreover, would not take long, to wit: Practice any art, music, singing, dancing, acting, drawing, painting, sculpting, poetry, fiction, essays, reportage, no matter how well or badly, not to get money and fame, but to experience becoming, to find out what's inside you, to make your soul grow. Seriously! I mean starting right now, do art and do it for the rest of your lives. Draw a funny or nice picture of Ms. Lockwood, and give it to her. Dance home after school, and sing in the shower and on and on. Make a face in your mashed potatoes. Pretend you're Count Dracula. Here's an assignment for tonight, and I hope Ms. Lockwood will flunk you if you don't do it: Write a six line poem, about anything, but rhymed. No fair tennis without a net. Make it as good as you possibly can. But don't tell anybody what you're doing. Don't show it or recite it to anybody, not even your girlfriend or parents or whatever, or Ms. Lockwood. OK? Tear it up into teeny-weeny pieces, and discard them into widely separated trash receptacles. You will find that you have already been gloriously rewarded for your poem. You have experienced becoming, learned a lot more about what's inside you, and you have made your soul grow. God bless you all! Kurt Vonnegut

Original caption

In 2006, Ms. Lockwood, an English teacher at Xavier High School in NYC, gave her students an assignment to write persuasive letters inviting their favorite authors to the school. Five students chose Kurt Vonnegut. Though 84-year-old Vonnegut couldn't make the visit, he sent a beautiful letter filled with advice. He was the only author who responded, and sadly, he passed away just six months later. “Practice any art, music, singing, dancing, acting, drawing, painting, sculpting, poetry, fiction, essays, reportage, no matter how well or badly, not to get money and fame, but to experience becoming, to find out what's inside you, to make your soul grow.” #artpractice #kurtvonnegut #dailyart #knowyourself #lifeisart