Food, one assumes, provides nourishment; but Americans eat it fully aware that small amounts of poison have been added to improve its appearance and delay its putrefaction.
John CageRead
I certainly had no feeling for harmony, and Schoenberg thought that that would make it impossible for me to write music. He said, 'You'll come to a wall you won't be able to get through.' So I said, 'I'll beat my head against that wall.'
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects a determination to overcome creative obstacles despite lacking traditional skills or understanding.
John Cage expresses his resolve to push through challenges in music composition, even when faced with skepticism about his ability to grasp musical harmony. The metaphor of 'beating his head against a wall' illustrates his willingness to confront difficulties head-on, suggesting that perseverance and a fierce commitment to creativity can lead to breakthroughs, even without conventional knowledge or understanding.
Themes
CreativityMusicPerseveranceChallengeDetermination
In practice
Example use cases
In a presentation on artistic innovation, you might quote this to inspire others facing creative blocks.
More from John Cage
All quotes βWhich is more musical: a truck passing by a factory or a truck passing by a music school?
John CageRead
There was a German philosopher who is very well known, his name was Immanuel Kant, and he said there are two things that donβt have to mean anything, one is music and the other is laughter. Donβt have to mean anything that is, in order to give us deep pleasure.
John CageRead
I remember loving sound before I ever took a music lesson. And so we make our lives by what we love.
John CageRead
I can't understand why people are frightened of new ideas. I'm frightened of the old ones.
John CageRead
People who aren't artists often feel that artists are inspired. But if you work at your art you don't have time to be inspired.
John CageRead
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