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
What this quote means
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.
Themes
SuccessEffortRepetitionPersonal GrowthMastery
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech to encourage artists to focus on their craft rather than accolades.
More from Ornette Coleman
All quotes →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.
Ornette ColemanRead
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?'
Ornette ColemanRead
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.
Ornette ColemanRead
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.
Ornette ColemanRead
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.
Ornette ColemanRead
Similar quotes
Existence is the privilege of effort, and when that privilege is met like a man, opportunities to succeed along the line of your aptitude will come faster than you can use them.
Orison Swett MardenRead
For me, getting your number retired is the greatest accomplishment. There is no accolade with more significance that you can receive from an organization or school. Whether it was my four years at Central Arkansas or all my seasons with the Bulls in Chicago, it's a sign of respect for what I have done.
Scottie PippenRead
To stay ahead, you must have your next idea waiting in the wings.
Rosabeth Moss KanterRead
If I was being paid thirty-thousand dollars a year, the very least I could do was hit .400.
Ted WilliamsRead
It's much easier to be successful than it is to be relevant. The tricks won't keep you relevant. Tricks might keep you popular for a while, but in all honesty, I don't know how U2 will stay relevant. I know we've got a future. I know we can fill stadiums. And yet with every record, I think, 'Is this it? Are we still relevant?'
BonoRead
Successful people reject rejection.
John C. MaxwellRead