Miles Davis was a fundamental part of almost any jazz movement taking place during the twentieth century. By saying "Don't play what's there, play what's not there", Davis inspired creativity as an artist. But in his words he's also pushing us to break free of all molds that constrict us to any normalcy. He's telling us to take a hold of our destiny. If we have the tools, be it a trumpet, a pen, or a great idea, we shouldn't do what's been handed to us, but take control, take a chance, and attempt to do something better.
The great people in the world all had tools but decided to do something different. History tends not to remember the ordinary. Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment introduces a similar idea by way of the Raskolnikov's essay. The essay focuses on how the mass majority of people are simply ordinary. The few people who are extraordinary have ideas that they need to bring somehow to society. Sometimes their ideas are accepted, but for the most part, these pioneers suffer for their innovative discoveries (picture Gailileo), that are ahead of their time. How many artists died in poverty only to become famous after death?
Eventually, anyone with the tools will need the courage to do the greater good, even if society at that point isn't ready to accept changes in morals or beliefs. Ideas are powerful, and I believe that most ideas are good. And those that aren't? Even those spread debate which helps us all. All people who have influential ideas must also have an established ethics code that might be more liberal than the conservative society.
Of course, I don't know if any of this Davis had in mind. He could have just been making a realistic jive at improvisation. I don't know if I will ever be a great person, odds are against me, but if given the tools, I know I will always find ways to help people. What feels right is right, and eventually everybody benefits. I trust my judgements, and given the tool of a good education, I hope I can live as extraordinarily as possible.
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