The more original something is, the more of a threat it seems until the people catch up with it. That happened with Thelonious Monk. It happened with anybody who is really original.
Meaning of the quote
When something is very original and different, people may not understand it at first. They may even see it as a threat or something they don't like. But over time, as people get used to the new and creative idea, they start to appreciate it. This happened with the musician Thelonious Monk, and it happens with anyone who is truly original and innovative.
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More quotes from Steve Lacy
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