Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter: Artists can Save the World

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"You either have to be part of the solution, or you're going to be part of the problem."        - Eldridge Cleaver
We all tend to blame others - society, politicians, boss, girlfriend -  for what's wrong in our lives. Sayings like the one above redirect the responsibility back to ourselves. Frankly, though, sayings like this mostly just make me feel guilty. Apart from writing an obscure blog and some charitable donations, I never think of myself as part of any "solution." Teaching aikido and playing music are hardly going to save the world, right?

That's why I was heartened to read this letter from Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter. In an open letter, "To the Next Generation of Artists," they offer their thoughts on how we all can work to increase peace and understanding in the world, despite so many trends that are painful and discouraging.

Here are a few beautiful phrases from the letter, but it's really, really worth reading all the way through. (I just printed it to hang above my desk).
  • Focus your energy on becoming the best human you can be.
  • We encourage you to dispel repetition in all of its negative forms and consequences. 
  • Strive to create new actions both musically and with the pathway of your life. 
  • Never conform.
  • The unknown necessitates a moment-to-moment improvisation or creative process that is unparalleled in potential and fulfillment.
  • Be courageous and do not lose your sense of exhilaration and reverence for this wonderful world around you.
  • Every moment is an opportunity. You, as a human being, have no limits; therefore infinite possibilities exist in any circumstance.
  • You matter, your actions matter, your art matters.
  • We can never have peace if we cannot understand the pain in each other’s hearts. The more we interact, the more we will come to realize that our humanity transcends all differences.
  • Art in any form is a medium for dialogue, which is a powerful tool.
  • Yes, you are enough. Yes, you matter. Yes, you should keep going.
  • Living with creative integrity can bring forth benefits never imagined.
  • We hope that you live in a state of constant wonder.
  • All that exists is a product of someone’s imagination; treasure and nurture yours and you’ll always find yourself on the precipice of discovery.

Comments

  1. Judy WarnerApril 17, 2016 at 2:21 PM

    Beautiful words, Judy. But, I have to take issue with your comment that teaching aikido will hardly save the world. What you are giving your students is just what the world needs! The ability to stay calm under stress and conflict, and how to move to be able to follow through with their purpose. If they learn these skills in their bodies, it will reflect in their movements, physically, mentally, and emotionally in all aspects of their lives. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Judy MinotApril 17, 2016 at 4:51 PM

      Ha, Judy! Yes! I've edited the paragraph to better convey my initial thought. You are obviously in agreement with Herbie and Wayne!!

      Delete

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