I like to watch the news, because I don't like people very much and when you watch the news... if you ever had an idea that people were really terrible, you could watch the news and know that you're right.
Frank ZappaRead
Bad facts make bad law, and people who write bad laws are in my opinion more dangerous than songwriters who celebrate sexuality. Freedom of speech, freedom of religious thought, and the right to due process for composers, performers and retailers are imperiled if the PMRC and the major labels consummate this nasty bargain.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The integrity of laws shapes society, and poor legislation poses a greater threat than controversial artistic expression.
In this quote, Frank Zappa emphasizes the importance of sound legal principles and the dangers of poorly crafted laws. He argues that legislators who compromise the rights of individuals, such as freedom of speech and due process, are more harmful to society than musicians who express provocative themes. The message highlights the critical relationship between law and artistic expression, warning against the suppression of freedom in favor of conformity to societal norms.
Themes
LawFreedomSpeechExpressionSociety
In practice
Example use cases
During a panel discussion on the importance of artistic expression in society.
More from Frank Zappa
All quotes →The richest people in the world aren't particularly smart or happy. And the happiest people in the world aren't particularly smart or rich.… That leaves me making music. But we can't talk about that.
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Don't mind your make-up, you'd better make your mind up.
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Music is always a commentary on society.
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I'm more interested in melodic things. I think the biggest challenge when you go to play a solo is trying to invent a melody on the spot.
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Let’s be realistic about this, the guitar can be the single most blasphemous device on the face of the earth. That’s why I like it . . . The disgusting stink of a too-loud electric guitar: now that’s my idea of a good time.
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