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A review by youngling80
The Art Thief by Michael Finkel
informative
4.0
An absorbing account of one of the most prolific art thieves in history, how he managed to steal at least 239 artworks and other exhibits from 172 museums, and how it all came crashing down. This is me after reading this book ... 😳. I have so many thoughts ...
1. How it this even possible? (that he was able to steal such a vast quantity of art and historical artifacts without getting caught) I mean, the book tells me how this was actually possible, but this utterly baffles me ... that there are profound works of art and history on display with little to no security measures.
2. It is such a struggle for me to reconcile the mindset of this thief, who seemingly steals because of his great appreciation for art ... yet fails to properly care for said art. While he may have started out stealing because of the joy that the art itself inspired, it is clear that at some point, he became addicted to the act of stealing itself.
3. I am broken hearted that 80+ pieces of art/history are left unaccounted and likely destroyed in a feeble attempt to prevent his imprisonment. What a waste.
4. It is tragic that this man never had someone in his life tell him, "No. You can't do this. You have to take responsibility for your actions." And when it finally did happen, it seems to have been far too late in his life to make a difference. Parents, this is why you discipline your children. This is why you don't give them everything they want. This is why you teach them to work and take responsibility for their actions. This is why you don't enable bad character and poor decision-making.
5. To me, this is a cautionary tale of indulging selfishness in one's (or another's) life. Here's a man who, for all intents and purposes, was utterly indulged and spoiled. With an absent father, a mother who would do anything for her son, grandparents who financially supported his unwillingness to consistently work, a girlfriend who wouldn't say no ... he was allowed to languish in adulthood. He was never expected to behave as an adult, and thus, never did. He chose to indulge himself and his own desires first in all things. And what did that lead to? ... it's a sad, sad tale ending in loneliness and devastation. One can only hope that at rock-bottom, this man might embrace some humility, take responsibility for his actions, and work toward genuine change in his character.
1. How it this even possible? (that he was able to steal such a vast quantity of art and historical artifacts without getting caught) I mean, the book tells me how this was actually possible, but this utterly baffles me ... that there are profound works of art and history on display with little to no security measures.
2. It is such a struggle for me to reconcile the mindset of this thief, who seemingly steals because of his great appreciation for art ... yet fails to properly care for said art. While he may have started out stealing because of the joy that the art itself inspired, it is clear that at some point, he became addicted to the act of stealing itself.
3. I am broken hearted that 80+ pieces of art/history are left unaccounted and likely destroyed in a feeble attempt to prevent his imprisonment. What a waste.
4. It is tragic that this man never had someone in his life tell him, "No. You can't do this. You have to take responsibility for your actions." And when it finally did happen, it seems to have been far too late in his life to make a difference. Parents, this is why you discipline your children. This is why you don't give them everything they want. This is why you teach them to work and take responsibility for their actions. This is why you don't enable bad character and poor decision-making.
5. To me, this is a cautionary tale of indulging selfishness in one's (or another's) life. Here's a man who, for all intents and purposes, was utterly indulged and spoiled. With an absent father, a mother who would do anything for her son, grandparents who financially supported his unwillingness to consistently work, a girlfriend who wouldn't say no ... he was allowed to languish in adulthood. He was never expected to behave as an adult, and thus, never did. He chose to indulge himself and his own desires first in all things. And what did that lead to? ... it's a sad, sad tale ending in loneliness and devastation. One can only hope that at rock-bottom, this man might embrace some humility, take responsibility for his actions, and work toward genuine change in his character.