For twenty-five centuries, Western knowledge has tried to look upon the world. It has failed to understand that the world is not for the beholding. It is for hearing. It is not legible, but audible.
Jacques AttaliRead
What is called music today is all too often only a disguise for the monologue of power. However, and this is the supreme irony of it all, never before have musicians tried so hard to communicate with their audience, and never before has that communication been so deceiving. Music now seems hardly more than a somewhat clumsy excuse for the self-glorification of musicians and the growth of a new industrial sector.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote criticizes modern music as a facade for power rather than genuine communication, despite musicians' efforts to connect with audiences.
Jacques Attali's quote reflects on the paradox of contemporary music, suggesting that while artists strive to engage with listeners, the essence of their communication has become tainted by commercialism and ego. Instead of serving as a true medium for expression, music is often reduced to a tool for self-aggrandizement and industry growth, undermining its original purpose of connection and emotional resonance.
Themes
MusicCommunicationPowerArtIndustry
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a speech about the evolution of music and its societal impact.
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