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Tuesday, March 16, 2021

A genius is the one most like himself.

Thelonius Monk

Legendary jazz pianist Thelonious Monk relayed this message, along with other words of wisdom, to saxophonist Steve Lacy when the two played together in 1960. While his list of guidelines, which Lacy transcribed in a notebook titled "T. Monk’s Advice," was initially directed at fellow musicians, messages like these offer universal insight. Monk advocates for authenticity, personal integrity, and belief in oneself as our highest, most defining virtues. A singular force in music and beyond, he led by example on this front. In a world of constant pressure to give into conventions and expectations, he stressed that the greatest gift we have to give is ourselves.

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Daily Question

Fill in the blank: "Without ___, life would be a mistake." – Friedrich Nietzsche

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The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.

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Love takes off the masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within.

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