It’s useless to play lullabies for those who cannot sleep.
Meaning of the quote
It's useless to play lullabies for those who cannot sleep. This quote means that it's a waste of time to try to help someone relax and fall asleep if they are unable to do so. Just like a lullaby won't work on someone who is wide awake, some solutions don't work for everyone's problems. The quote suggests that we need to find the right approach to help someone, rather than doing something that clearly won't be effective.
About John Cage
John Cage was an influential American composer and music theorist who pioneered indeterminacy and non-standard use of musical instruments. He was a leading figure of the post-war avant-garde and played a significant role in the development of modern dance through his collaboration with choreographer Merce Cunningham.
More quotes from John Cage
Ideas are one thing and what happens is another.
American avant-garde composer (1912-1992)
The highest purpose is to have no purpose at all. This puts one in accord with nature, in her manner of operation.
American avant-garde composer (1912-1992)
There is poetry as soon as we realize that we possess nothing.
American avant-garde composer (1912-1992)
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.”
American avant-garde composer (1912-1992)
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.
American avant-garde composer (1912-1992)
We are involved in a life that passes understanding and our highest business is our daily life.
American avant-garde composer (1912-1992)
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.
American avant-garde composer (1912-1992)
It’s useless to play lullabies for those who cannot sleep.
American avant-garde composer (1912-1992)
I have nothing to say, I am saying it, and that is poetry.
American avant-garde composer (1912-1992)
We need not destroy the past. It is gone.
American avant-garde composer (1912-1992)
The first question I ask myself when something doesn’t seem to be beautiful is why do I think it’s not beautiful. And very shortly you discover that there is no reason.
American avant-garde composer (1912-1992)
I can’t understand why people are frightened of new ideas. I’m frightened of the old ones.
American avant-garde composer (1912-1992)
We carry our homes within us which enables us to fly.
American avant-garde composer (1912-1992)
When we separate music from life we get art.
American avant-garde composer (1912-1992)