Long live teachers of children, because they can show children how they can save the world.
Pete SeegerRead
I write a song because I want to. I think the moment you start writing it to make money, you're starting to kill yourself artistically.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Creating art for passion leads to genuine expression, not profit-driven work.
This quote emphasizes the importance of artistic integrity and the need for artists to create from a place of passion and authenticity. When the motivation shifts from genuine love for the craft to solely financial gain, the true essence and creativity of the artist may suffer, leading to a loss of artistic identity and joy.
Themes
ArtCreativityPassionIntegrityMusic
In practice
Example use cases
A speaker at a music festival might use this quote to inspire new artists.
More from Pete Seeger
All quotes →According to my definition of God, I'm not an atheist. Because I think God is everything. Whenever I open my eyes, I'm looking at God. Whenever I'm listening to something, I'm listening to God.
Pete SeegerRead
Songs are funny things. They can slip across borders. Proliferate in prisons. Penetrate hard shells. I always believed that the right song at the right moment could change history.
Pete SeegerRead
Well, normally I’m 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.” — Pete Seeger (on how he felt about attending his big 90th birthday bash last year)
Pete SeegerRead
I’ve never sung anywhere without giving the people listening to me a chance to join in - as a kid, as a lefty, as a man touring the U.S.A. and the world, as an oldster. I guess it’s kind of a religion with me. Participation. That’s what’s going to save the human race.
Pete SeegerRead
Do-so is more important than say-so.
Pete SeegerRead
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