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Re: debauchery = success



Debauchery=success?  How about success=debauchery?  One of the first things
anyone discovers on the first hint of success or infamy is: fans.  And fans
love to show their appreciation via drugs, sex, or whatever trips the
sucessful person's trigger.  This occurs even on a very low level of success,
like the neighborhood band getting a paying gig; imagine the degree of
temptation presented to big successes.

How many people will actually turn down those offerings?  Debauchery becomes
part of the success equation not to be more successful, but because it's
impossible to avoid.  More success = more tempting offers = more debauchery.
 The intelligent use logic to justify taking advantage of the opportunities
(I've earned it; this experience will open me up to more creative thinking;
etc.).  The louts just take advantage.

Success=debauchery easily turns into a vicious circle which too many people
don't or can't stop before the debauchery takes precedence over success.
 Perhaps the occasional use of recreational drugs did open up some
unconscience avenues; but if it reaches the point of addiction (whether
drugs, sex, or something else), the addiction ends up ruling.  

It's an easy trap.  How many of us would turn down beautiful girls (or
handsome guys, if preferred) throwing themselves at us?  Free liquor or
drugs?  Free anything?  (And keep in mind, this was a pre-AIDS and herpes
era--a preventive shot of penicillin was all you needed for relative peace of
mind; a successful artist didn't have to worry about his next fix--the band's
manager would get it, if no one else did; people forgave property destruction
or swept-under-the-rug scandals in the name of keeping the artist bringing in
that cash--and the tabloids were far easier to convince to shut up.)  But
it's still a trap; one that does not capabilities.

On the other hand, how many people can you name who were debauched first,
then successful/famous--other than murderers?

Mick Noland