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
I can't understand why people are frightened of new ideas. I'm frightened of the old ones.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of embracing new ideas rather than fearing them.
John Cage's quote reflects a perspective that challenges conventional thinking. It suggests that fear should not stem from new ideas, which often hold the potential for growth and progress, but rather from outdated notions that can stifle innovation and creativity. This sentiment encourages individuals to welcome change and to question established beliefs that may no longer serve a purpose in the ever-evolving landscape of life and thought.
Themes
New IdeasFearChangeInnovationProgress
In practice
Example use cases
During a team meeting, I could introduce Cage's quote to encourage my colleagues to embrace innovative solutions.
More from John Cage
All quotes →Which is more musical: a truck passing by a factory or a truck passing by a music school?
John CageRead
There was a German philosopher who is very well known, his name was Immanuel Kant, and he said there are two things that don’t have to mean anything, one is music and the other is laughter. Don’t have to mean anything that is, in order to give us deep pleasure.
John CageRead
I remember loving sound before I ever took a music lesson. And so we make our lives by what we love.
John CageRead
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
Let no one imagine that in owning a recording he has the music. The very practice of music is a celebration that we own nothing.
John CageRead
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