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.
I think that nonviolence is one way of saying that there are other ways to solve problems, not only through weapons and war. Nonviolence also means the recognition that the person on one side of the trench and the person on the other side of the trench are both human beings, with the same faculties. At some point they have to begin to understand one another.
The whole secret of existence is to have no fear. Never fear what will become of you, depend on no one. Only the moment you reject all help are you freed.
...the other half of rising—the very half that makes rising necessary—is having been nailed to the cross.
I promised never to let the Rwandan Genocide die because I knew the Rwandans didn't have much power internationally and certainly didn't have the resources. I felt it was my duty having witnessed it, and having stayed to witness it, that I had to talk about it and keep it going.
Valor lies just halfway between rashness and cowardice.
Insurrection is the most sacred of rights and the most indispensable of duties.
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