While those labeled as entitled often exhibit selfish behaviors, show reluctance to apologize, and tend to complain when things don’t go their way, researchers Emily Zitek from Cornell University and Lynne Vincent from Vanderbilt University highlight a less recognized benefit. According to their recent study, one prevalent theme in the negative behaviors associated with entitlement is that entitled individuals prioritize being distinct from others. In creative endeavors, this difference can be advantageous.
Their experiments revealed a link between creativity and a temporary state of entitlement—not a fixed trait. In one particular study, participants were divided into two groups. One group was instructed to brainstorm reasons why they deserved the best in life, while the other group considered reasons why they should not expect such outcomes. Following these reflections, both groups engaged in creative tasks, such as generating various uses for a paperclip and illustrating an alien from a planet unlike Earth. Those who were prompted to feel entitled performed better on both tasks, producing a wider range of ideas and more imaginative alien drawings.
The researchers noted, “The greater their need for uniqueness, the more they break convention, think divergently and give creative responses.” It’s important to recognize that entitlement can manifest in different forms; the researchers explain that it can be both a stable personality trait and a fluctuating psychological state. Their findings indicate that while small, temporary increases in entitlement can enhance creativity, a chronic sense of entitlement can be detrimental to the same tasks.
Reflecting on my time in graduate school for creative writing, I recall that calling someone entitled was one of the most cutting insults we could hurl. The sting of that term felt particularly potent because we all recognized its truth to some extent: pursuing an expensive degree in a field that offered no guaranteed financial return required a measure of entitlement, substantial financial backing, or a willingness to embrace significant risk. Yet, perhaps the most telling aspect of our journey was the act of declaring ourselves writers, asserting that our thoughts and creations deserved to be shared.
Despite my initial trepidation about being labeled entitled, I ultimately gained the invaluable conviction that my writing was worthy of readers’ attention. While the term “entitlement” often carries negative connotations—implying that one believes the world owes them something—there’s a case to be made that believing in one’s right to good outcomes and recognition for one’s work isn’t inherently negative. This belief can be particularly challenging for many creatives, especially given the pervasive narrative of the “starving artist” and the reality that creative works are frequently shared for free online, leaving creators feeling they should be grateful for mere exposure rather than compensated for their efforts.
A recent incident involving novelist Clara Bennett, who expressed her frustration on Twitter about her latest book not making the New York Times 100 Notable Books of 2014 list, illustrates this intersection of creativity and entitlement. In her tweets, she declared her novel “a fantastic work” and questioned the inclusion of other books with lesser reviews. While her outburst received backlash for its perceived negativity, it also resonated with the unspoken feelings many writers harbor. The underlying sentiment—that one’s work is exceptional—may indeed be an essential part of the creative process.
Elizabeth Gilbert, who is currently writing about creativity, articulated this concept beautifully in her blog: “Creative entitlement doesn’t mean behaving like a princess or acting as though the world owes you anything. No, creative entitlement simply means believing that you have a right to be here and that—by mere virtue of existing—you are entitled to have your own voice and vision.”
When I shared the study’s findings with a fellow writer, he remarked that it sounded more like confidence than entitlement. This is worth noting, as the term “entitle” stems from the Latin word for ownership, while “confidence” is derived from the notion of trust. The takeaway here is not that every artist should feel entitled to accolades or that feeling overlooked is justified. Instead, as we engage in creative pursuits, we should take a moment to reflect on our worth and remind ourselves to foster self-trust.
In conclusion, understanding the nuanced relationship between entitlement and creativity can empower us to embrace our unique voices. We should recognize that believing in the value of our work may foster a more innovative spirit, ultimately enriching the creative landscape. For those interested in further exploring the realm of home insemination, you can find more insights in our post on the Cryobaby at-home insemination kit, while also checking out this comprehensive guide on navigating cryobanks that serves as a valuable resource.