We in the Western world suffer from too many categories and classes; we've forgotten that we all still have diapers on. We've separated music from life.
Ornette ColemanRead
You don't have to worry about being a number one, number two, or number three. Numbers don't have anything to do with placement. Numbers only have something to do with repetition.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes that rankings are irrelevant; what matters is the consistent effort and practice you put in.
Ornette Coleman's quote suggests that the fixation on rankings or positions (like being first, second, or third) is misguided. Instead, he highlights that true progress and mastery come from repetition and dedication to one's craft, not by merely comparing oneself to others. It's an important reminder to focus on personal growth rather than external validation through numbers.
In practice
In a motivational speech to encourage artists to focus on their craft rather than accolades.
We in the Western world suffer from too many categories and classes; we've forgotten that we all still have diapers on. We've separated music from life.
You've got to realize. In the western world, regardless of what color you are, what title the music is, it's all played by the same notes.
So, for instance, if you came to me, I'd ask, 'Do you want to write? Do you want to improvise? Why do you want to play this instrument? What do you want to do?'
That's what I was trying to say when we were talking about sound. I think that every person, whether they play music or don't play music, has a sound - their own sound, that thing that you're talking about.
It's just someone has labelled us as having a different label to do what you do. I find that labels are the worst thing in the world for artistic expression.
I decided, if I'm going to be poor and black and all, the least thing I'm going to do is to try and find out who I am. I created everything about me.
The game is my wife. It demands loyalty and responsibility, and it gives me back fulfillment and peace.
Entrepreneursh ip is a great leveller, since having the benefit of a wealthy background or a generous investor isn't always an advantage. The wonderful thing is that money is not the sole currency when it comes to starting a business; drive, determination, passion and hard work are all free and more valuable than a pot of cash.
The less you associate with some people, the more your life will improve. Any time you tolerate mediocrity in others, it increases your mediocrity. An important attribute in successful people is their impatience with negative thinking and negative acting people.
An important attribute of success is to be yourself. Never hide what makes you, you.
Fundamentally, the basis of all modern progress is the efficiency of labor. And the only sure road to restored prosperity is through the thrift and hard work of our people as a whole.
Work is the miracle by which talent is brought to the surface and dreams become reality.
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