Long live teachers of children, because they can show children how they can save the world.
Pete SeegerRead
I’ve never sung anywhere without giving the people listening to me a chance to join in - as a kid, as a lefty, as a man touring the U.S.A. and the world, as an oldster. I guess it’s kind of a religion with me. Participation. That’s what’s going to save the human race.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of participation and community in music and life.
Pete Seeger's quote highlights his belief in the transformative power of musical participation. Throughout his life, he has seen music as an opportunity to bring people together, creating a sense of community and shared experience. He suggests that this collective engagement is vital for humanity's survival, implying that when individuals unite and contribute, they foster hope and change in the world.
Themes
ParticipationCommunityMusicHumanityConnection
In practice
Example use cases
During a community music event to encourage local engagement.
More from Pete Seeger
All quotes →According to my definition of God, I'm not an atheist. Because I think God is everything. Whenever I open my eyes, I'm looking at God. Whenever I'm listening to something, I'm listening to God.
Pete SeegerRead
Songs are funny things. They can slip across borders. Proliferate in prisons. Penetrate hard shells. I always believed that the right song at the right moment could change history.
Pete SeegerRead
Well, normally I’m against big things. I think the world is going to be saved by millions of small things. Too many things can go wrong when they get big.” — Pete Seeger (on how he felt about attending his big 90th birthday bash last year)
Pete SeegerRead
I write a song because I want to. I think the moment you start writing it to make money, you're starting to kill yourself artistically.
Pete SeegerRead
Do-so is more important than say-so.
Pete SeegerRead
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