DO THE MUSES DWELL IN ELYSIUM - DEATH AS A MOTIVE FOR CREATIVITY

One frequently suggested motive for creative work is awareness of mortality. This article reviews some suggestions about ways in which death might serve as such a motive, and also proposes other motives. It is hypothesized that death might provide both a drive that initiates creative activity, and also incentives that finished products try to achieve. As well, its specific role and importance probably changes with age.