Music is the arithmetic of sounds as optics is the geometry of light.
Claude DebussyRead
Listen to no one's advice except that of the wind in the trees. That can recount the whole history of mankind.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of nature and intuition over human advice.
Claude Debussy suggests that the whispers of nature, symbolized by the wind in the trees, contain deeper truths and wisdom about humanity's past than the often flawed advice given by people. This reflection encourages individuals to connect with the natural world and trust their own insights rather than solely relying on external opinions.
In practice
During a nature retreat, one might share this quote to encourage others to reflect on their surroundings.
Music is the arithmetic of sounds as optics is the geometry of light.
The colour of my soul is iron-grey and sad bats wheel about the steeple of my dreams.
On those who overanalyze his music: When you tear the wings off a butterfly, it is no longer a butterfly
But music, don't you know, is a dream from which the veils have been lifted. It's not even the expression of a feeling, it's the feeling itself.
People come to music to seek oblivion: is that not also a form of deception?
Some people wish above all to conform to the rules, I wish only to render what I can hear.
Well, normally Iβm 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.β β Pete Seeger (on how he felt about attending his big 90th birthday bash last year)
In dealing with a man who thinks you are a fool, it is good sometimes to remind him that you know what he knows but have chosen to appear foolish for the sake of peace.
Man is only truly great when he acts from the passions; never irresistible but when he appeals to the imagination.
If you think about disaster, you will get it. Brood about death and you hasten your demise. Think positively and masterfully, with confidence and faith, and life becomes more secure, more fraught with action, richer in achievement and experience.
What a pity that Bilbo did not stab that vile creature, when he had a chance!' Pity? It was Pity that stayed his hand. Pity, and Mercy: not to strike without need. And he has been well rewarded, Frodo. Be sure that he took so little hurt from the evil, and escaped in the end, because he began his ownership of the Ring so. With Pity.
Resolve to be thyself: and know that he who finds himself, loses his misery.
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