John Cage Quotes

John Cage — American Composer born on September 05, 1912, died on August 12, 1992

John Milton Cage Jr. was an American composer, music theorist, writer, and artist. A pioneer of indeterminacy in music, electroacoustic music, and non-standard use of musical instruments, Cage was one of the leading figures of the post-war avant-garde. Critics have lauded him as one of the most influential American composers of the 20th century. He was also instrumental in the development of modern dance, mostly through his association with choreographer Merce Cunningham, who was also Cage's romantic partner for most of their lives... (wikipedia)

I can't understand why people are frightened of new ideas. I'm frightened of the old ones.

If something is boring after two minutes, try it for four. If still boring, then eight. Then sixteen. Then thirty-two. Eventually one discovers that it is not boring at all.

There is no such thing as an empty space or an empty time. There is always something to see, something to hear. In fact, try as we may to make a silence, we cannot.

The highest purpose is to have no purpose at all. This puts one in accord with nature, in her manner of operation.

I have nothing to say, I am saying it, and that is poetry.