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
For myself and my own experience now, I don't really need any music. I have enough to listen to with just the sounds of the environment. I listen to the sounds of 6th avenue.
Interpretation
What this quote means
John Cage emphasizes the beauty of natural sounds over traditional music.
In this quote, John Cage reflects on his personal experience and appreciation for the sounds of the environment, suggesting that the everyday noises of the world around him provide enough auditory stimulation and inspiration without the need for composed music. This perspective challenges conventional notions of music and highlights the artistic value of experience and perception in everyday life.
Themes
MusicEnvironmentSoundsExperienceArt
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of mindfulness, this quote can highlight how we can find beauty in our surroundings.
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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