I don't feel any pressure from fans. But I'm always in some kind of state of emotional turmoil. I would not describe myself as happy-go-lucky. That's not to say that I'm not happy.
Paul SimonRead
Improvisation is too good to leave to chance.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Improvisation should be a deliberate and considered practice, not something left to random fortune.
In this quote, Paul Simon emphasizes the importance of being intentional and thoughtful about the art of improvisation. Rather than leaving such a creative process to mere luck, he advocates for a proactive approach where one actively hones their skills and prepares to seize opportunities when they arise, reflecting the idea that preparation meets chance to create something beautiful.
Themes
ImprovisationChanceArtCreativityPreparation
In practice
Example use cases
In a workshop on creative writing, the facilitator quoted Paul Simon to inspire participants to embrace planned improvisation.
More from Paul Simon
All quotes βI sort of recognize it, as opposed to shaping it. Oh, that's a good idea, that's a good line. I wonder where I can use that. And when you get into a rhyme group like 'not,' you got a lot of rhymes, you got a lot of choices. The more you do it, the luckier you get.
Paul SimonRead
I am just a poor boy, though my story's seldom told, and I have squandered my resistance, for a pocket full of mumbles, such are promises. All lies in jest, still a man hears what he wants to hear and disregards the rest...la-la-la-la-la-la-la-lala-la-la-la-la...
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Who's gonna love you when your looks are gone?
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I don't believe what the papers are saying They're just out to capture my dime, Exaggerating this, exaggerating that.
Paul SimonRead
Music is forever; music should grow and mature with you, following you right on up until you die.
Paul SimonRead
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