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
Whether I make them or not, there are always sounds to be heard and all of them are excellent.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the idea that all sounds, regardless of their source, can hold value and beauty.
John Cage's quote highlights the concept that every sound, intentional or unintentional, contributes to the auditory landscape and has its unique significance. It reflects his belief in the artistic potential of noise and ambient sound, which can enrich our experience of the world.
In practice
In a speech about the importance of listening in music, you could use this quote to illustrate that every sound has value.
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.
Which 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.
We're a very expensive group; we break a lot of rules. It's unheard of to combine opera with a rock theme, my dear .
Acting is largely about putting on masks, and music is about removing them.
Occasionally, in times of worry, I've longed to be stylish, but on second thought I say no-just let me be myself-and express rough, yet true things with rough workmanship.
If you do something, you should do it because you love it, and you should follow your heart and make it how your heart wants it to be made. But it's a difficult world, especially for musicians.
Everyone who gave me food, who took away my hunger, inspired me to compose. They told me their stories, and I had no other way to console them than with a piece of music, and that is how I learned. I did not resolve their problems with my songs, but I created a moment of release.
Exuberance is better than taste.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.