Every time you pick up your guitar to play, play as if it's the last time.
Eric ClaptonRead
I have always been resistant to doctrine, and any spirituality I had experienced thus far in my life had been much more abstract and not aligned with any recognized religion. For me, the most trustworthy vehicle for spirituality had always proven to be music. It cannot be manipulated, or politicized, and when it is, that becomes immediately obvious.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Eric Clapton believes that music is a pure and trustworthy form of spirituality, free from manipulation and politics.
In this quote, Eric Clapton expresses his resistance to structured doctrine and organized religion, instead finding a deeper connection to spirituality through the abstract and genuine qualities of music. He suggests that music serves as a reliable medium for spiritual experience, contrasting it with doctrines that can be easily corrupted or influenced by external factors, such as politics.
Themes
MusicSpiritualityDoctrineFreedomExpression
In practice
Example use cases
During a talk on the importance of creativity, I cited Clapton's view on music as a form of spirituality.
More from Eric Clapton
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