Outsiders always look for a reason to explain why they are not inside. They never look in the mirror. Let's face it, the profession I'm in is a very simple and a very cruel one. There is no way that you can create a career for someone without talent and no way to stop a career of someone with talent.
I have a responsibility to pass on to the next generation what I learned from my teachers, ... It keeps me young and reminds me where I came from. Teaching young artists is like giving water to a flower.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Teaching the next generation fosters personal growth and connection to one's roots.
In this quote, Isaac Stern emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge and experiences with the younger generation, highlighting that the act of teaching not only nurtures their growth but also rejuvenates the teacher's spirit and reminds them of their own journey. He metaphorically compares teaching to providing essential nourishment, likening it to giving water to a flower, which implies that education is vital for flourishing and development.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech at a graduation ceremony, one could say this quote to inspire young graduates about the importance of sharing knowledge.
More from Isaac Stern
All quotes →Music is the thousandth of a millisecond between one note and another; how you get from one to the other-that's where the music is.
When you believe in something, you can move mountains.
Music is like making love: either all or nothing.
The greatest wealth of this nation is not only the mergers of giant corporations or the possibility of further globalization of the infrastructure of the world. In the United States, our greatest single source of wealth is the minds and talent of our young people. Not to use it is stupid - to waste it is a crime.
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I think you can be taught to write. You can't be taught to be a good writer. For that, you have to bring something to it, yourself, something that can't be given to you.
Musical ability is not an inborn talent but an ability which can be developed. Any child who is properly trained can develop musical ability just as all children develop the ability to speak their mother tongue. The potential of every child is unlimited.