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.
It's useless to play lullabies for those who cannot sleep.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Offering comfort or soothing words to those not ready to receive them is futile.
This quote by John Cage reflects the idea that sometimes no matter how soothing or comforting oneβs words or actions may be, they can have little effect on those who are not open or receptive to them. It emphasizes the importance of context and readiness in communication; if the recipient is unable to engage or find calmness, then efforts to console or soothe become meaningless, highlighting that receptiveness plays a crucial role in meaningful exchanges.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about mental health, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of readiness to receive help.
More from John Cage
All quotes βWhich is more musical: a truck passing by a factory or a truck passing by a music school?
There was a German philosopher who is very well known, his name was Immanuel Kant, and he said there are two things that donβt have to mean anything, one is music and the other is laughter. Donβt have to mean anything that is, in order to give us deep pleasure.
I remember loving sound before I ever took a music lesson. And so we make our lives by what we love.
I can't understand why people are frightened of new ideas. I'm frightened of the old ones.
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.
Similar quotes
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Hope, even more than necessity, is the mother of invention.
Better to master one mountain than a thousand foothills.
I laugh, for hope hath a happy place with me; If my boat sinks, 'tis to another sea.
Clever talk can confound the workings of virtue, just as small impatiences can confound great projects.
The madness of depression is, generally speaking, the antithesis of violence. It is a storm indeed, but a storm of murk. Soon evident are the slowed-down responses, near paralysis, psychic energy throttled back close to zero. Ultimately, the body is affected and feels sapped, drained.