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
Let no one imagine that in owning a recording he has the music. The very practice of music is a celebration that we own nothing.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Owning a recording does not equate to possessing the essence of music; true music exists in the act of creation and experience.
John Cage emphasizes that the ownership of a recording does not translate to true ownership of the music itself. Music is an experience that is celebrated in its performance and practice, reminding us that art is an ephemeral expression that cannot be contained or owned in a material sense, rather it is the creative act that truly embodies its essence.
Themes
MusicOwnershipCreationExperienceArt
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the value of live performances versus recorded music, this quote can emphasize the importance of the musical experience.
More from John Cage
All quotes βWhich 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 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.
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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