Beethoven.

So this morning I was listening to NPR, as I usually do before I brave the daunting tasks of the day, and they had a piece on Beethoven. What an amazing man, artist, philosopher. I am so inspired by artists that incorporate passion, intellect, personal conviction into their craft. These are the most provocative and profound artists; they take real risks, follow their heart unfailingly, and, ultimately, find great success. They do so without apology or regard for how people will perceive them. I suppose it is because everything that they do, everything that they create, is driven out of a personal sense of truth and purpose. I think that everyone on a conscious or unconscious level is drawn to that kind of work because it is real; it may not always be the easiest to create or to absorb as a "consumer of culture," but it speaks to a very authentic part of everyone of us. No matter who we are or what we do, there are aspects of us that we do not disclose to others or even ourselves because, to do so, would be terrifying. If an artist can speak to that part of us, they have recognized and legitimized that piece of who we are. That is, perhaps, the most empowering thing that can happen to a person: to be seen, to be heard, to be understood. It is something that frees us to be who we truly are. Art has such potential to heal, to truly transform people's lives and, ultimately society. Wow, I love what I do.

"Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens."
–Carl Jung