Must art have a reason? A purpose?

What happened to expressing for the sole purpose of expressing? Why do intellectuals constantly require an analytical explanation for everything? Why do they look for practicality in everything they do? For them, there must always be a meaning behind things-a means to an end. And one cannot be simply curious.  When we learn, we must promise to do something more with our newfound knowledge.

As for me, I want to read and write books.  And I couldn’t tell you why even if I wanted to. This is my art. My craft. My freedom.  And to ask me why I do this would merit no answer at all.