Quote by John Milton Cage
It is better to make a piece of music than to perform one, better to perform one than to listen to one, better to listen to one than to misuse it as a means of distraction, entertainment, or acquisition of culture.
Summary
This quote emphasizes the value and hierarchy of engagement with music. It suggests that creating music holds the highest significance, as it involves creativity and personal expression. Performing music is seen as the next best option, as it requires skill and engagement. Listening to music is preferred over using it as a mere distraction or background noise. The quote discourages using music solely for entertainment purposes or as a way to acquire cultural knowledge without genuine appreciation. Overall, it highlights the transformative power of active engagement with music rather than treating it passively.