I did not develop my ear. I discovered I had an ear, and it was an accident.
Interpretation
The quote reflects the idea that some talents are innate and discovered rather than developed through effort.
Clive Davis's quote suggests that certain abilities, like having a musical ear, are not necessarily cultivated through deliberate practice but rather recognized as part of one's inherent traits. This realization points to the notion that sometimes our skills and passions may surface unexpectedly, leading us to a deeper understanding of ourselves and our potential.
In practice
During a motivational speech about self-discovery, one might use this quote to illustrate the beauty of recognizing hidden talents.
My introduction of Whitney was that if there's going to be one performer for the next generation who combined the beauty and lyric phrasing of a Lena Horne with those Gospel fiery roots of an Aretha Franklin, it would be Whitney Houston.
The music began, and it was one of those life-changing moments. I saw an artist, Janis Joplin. She was exhilarating. She was vibrating. And she was like no other artist that I had ever seen before... It struck me that hard. Maybe the word is epiphany, when you get that special sensation.
There's no way that music could ever go down the tubes. I can't imagine a civilization without music. When you realize today that music is such a part of people's lives. And will always be, really.
I feel blessed that I found not just a profession, but a 24/7 way of life that I purely love. That curiosity to be current, to listen to the Hozier album, to be early in recognition of a Lorde and spending time with her and Miguel, the pleasure of seeing new talent erupt... I love it.
I'm the keeper of the flame for Whitney Houston. She was the greatest... and I don't want the world to forget that.
If we know anything about a path at all, it's only because of the Great ones that have gone before us. Out of their love and kindness, they have left some footprints for us to follow. So, in the same way that they wish for us, we wish that all beings everywhere, including ourselves, be safe, be happy, have good health, and enough to eat. And may we all live at ease of heart with whatever comes to us in life.
The faster you can get your ideas in contact with the real world, the faster you can discover what is broken with your idea.
Once a fight has started, if you get involved in thinking about what to do, you will be cut down by your opponent with the very next blow.
Some of the things you believe were never true. They were someone else's fears. Give yourself a chance to examine your thoughts. Change those that are negative. You are deserving.
We have to unclutter our brains from worries that maybe people don't like us. Women tend to worry about popularity; it doesn't matter if they like you. They need to respect you. They need to show that respect for you in your pay check. And that needs to be okay.
Proper effort is not the effort to make something particular happen. It is the effort to be aware and awake each moment, the effort to overcome laziness and merit, the effort to make each activity of our day meditation.
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