Food, one assumes, provides nourishment; but Americans eat it fully aware that small amounts of poison have been added to improve its appearance and delay its putrefaction.
John CageRead
A 'mistake' is beside the point, for once anything happens it authentically is.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Mistakes are irrelevant; once an action occurs, it becomes part of reality.
John Cage's quote suggests that labeling something as a 'mistake' becomes irrelevant in the face of reality. Once an action takes place, it holds its own authenticity and significance, regardless of intent or judgment. This perspective encourages acceptance of events as they are, rather than being burdened by the need for perfection or regret.
Themes
MistakeAuthenticityRealityAcceptancePerception
In practice
Example use cases
During a team meeting, to promote a culture of openness, one could say, 'Remember, as John Cage remarked, a 'mistake' is beside the point, for once anything happens it authentically is.'
More from John Cage
All quotes βWhich is more musical: a truck passing by a factory or a truck passing by a music school?
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There was a German philosopher who is very well known, his name was Immanuel Kant, and he said there are two things that donβt have to mean anything, one is music and the other is laughter. Donβt have to mean anything that is, in order to give us deep pleasure.
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I remember loving sound before I ever took a music lesson. And so we make our lives by what we love.
John CageRead
I can't understand why people are frightened of new ideas. I'm frightened of the old ones.
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People who aren't artists often feel that artists are inspired. But if you work at your art you don't have time to be inspired.
John CageRead
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