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
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 one’s 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
ComfortCommunicationReceptivenessSoothingMindset
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 →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
I can't understand why people are frightened of new ideas. I'm frightened of the old ones.
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
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