I know that after my letter there will be undoubtedly an 'opinion' about me, but I am not afraid of it. I openly say what I think. Talent, of which we are proud, must not be submitted to the assaults of the past.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of expressing one's thoughts despite potential judgment, highlighting the need to overcome past criticisms.
In this quote, Mstislav Rostropovich conveys a strong message about the courage it takes to express one's opinions openly, regardless of how they may be perceived by others. He acknowledges that there will always be differing opinions about him following his expression, yet he stands firm in his conviction that true talent should not be hindered by the criticisms and challenges of the past. This underscores the idea that personal integrity and the willingness to speak one's mind are crucial in the face of adversity.
In practice
During a speech advocating for artistic freedom, one could use this quote to inspire others to speak out.
Every man must have the right fearlessly to think independently and express his opinion about what he knows, what he has personally thought about and experienced, and not merely to express with slightly different variations the opinion which has been inculcated in him.
People are craving this great progress in electronics, going after computers, the Internet, etc. It's a giant progress technologically. But they must have a balance of soul, a balance for human beauty. That means art has an important role.
The artist must forget the audience, _x000D_ forget the critics, forget the technique, forget everything but love for the music._x000D_ Then, the music speaks through the performance,_x000D_ and the performer and the listener will walk together_x000D_ with the soul of the composer, and with_x000D_ God.
When I started learning the cello, I fell in love with the instrument because it seemed like a voice - my voice.
Now I come to 75 years of age, I think what's most important in life is your conscience. If you told a lie and made other people suffer, I think that's very difficult when you reach this age.
All my life I wanted to play music with love to every member of the audience.
If I take a bump or bruise along the way, that's nothing compared to the sacrifices that the women whose shoulders I stand upon made along the way.
I'm frightened all the time. But I never let it stop me. Never!
Death is not the biggest fear we have; our biggest fear is taking the risk to be alive - the risk to be alive and express what we really are.
Can we somehow muster the courage and steadfastness of purpose that characterized the pioneers of a former generation? Can you and I, in actual fact, be pioneers [today]?
Beware; for I am fearless, and therefore powerful.
I wished I died in that attack with my cousin, with my south Vietnamese soldiers. I wish I died at that time so I won't suffer like that anymore... it was so hard for me to carry all that burden with that hatred, with that anger and bitterness.
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