Knowledge is freedom and ignorance is slavery
Miles DavisRead
I don't pay no attention to what critics say about me, the good or the bad. The toughest critic I got is myself...and I'm too vain to play anything I think is bad.
Interpretation
Focus on self-assessment rather than external criticism.
This quote emphasizes the importance of self-critique and self-awareness over the opinions of others. Miles Davis suggests that he values his own judgment about his work more than those of critics, highlighting that one's self-standards can often be the most demanding yet essential benchmark for personal growth and artistic integrity.
In practice
In a motivational speech about pursuing your passions, one could quote Miles Davis to encourage others to trust their own judgment.
Knowledge is freedom and ignorance is slavery
Joao Gilberto on guitar could read a newspaper and sound good.
I was minding my own business when something says to me, "you ought to blow trumpet." I have just been trying ever since.
When the band plays fast, you play slow; when the band plays slow, you play fast.
Don't play what's there, play what's not there.
My ego only needs a good rhythm section
When an archer is shooting for nothing, he has all his skill. If he shoots for a brass buckle, he is already nervous. If he shoots for a prize of gold, he goes blind or sees two targets - He is out of his mind! His skill has not changed. But the prize divides him. He cares. He thinks more of winning than of shooting- And the need to win drains him of power.
Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.
None but a fool worries about things he cannot influence.
If you carry your cross joyfully, it will carry you.
It's so important to realize that every time you get upset, it drains your emotional energy. Losing your cool makes you tired. Getting angry a lot messes with your health.
When your rage is choking you, it is best to say nothing.
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