20 Apr hear no evil, hear no good.

If you’ve grown up as an independent/weirdo, you understand that ignoring what other people think is Survival 101.

Sometimes you have to be the one person who will believe in you. I have spent most of my years in complete disregard of other’s views of me and my work, and doing so has been really fruitful for me.

“In this world, they choose to see me, they choose to see me like a setting sun, So it’s up to me, I have to see me like a rising one”

Recently however, (as a person who is now well grounded in their being independent), I have been allowing myself to OCCASIONALLY hear out what certain people** think in regards to me and my work. And you know what? This too can also be really fruitful (in moderation). It provides healthy perspective into what is working and what could be improved.  If you’re firm enough in your independence: then it’s ok (and good for you) to sometimes consider someone else’s opinion on you, as long as your point in doing so, is solely to improve your technique. 

“Absorb what is useful, discard what is useless and add what is specifically your own” -Lee

I asterisked “certain people”  because you need to be very selective about whose opinions you’re letting in. People who are rooting for you and who want to see you succeed are usually safe to listen to. People who are proven experts (don’t be impressed by a flashy resumé) and have an authoritative view on a subject are usually important to listen to. Everyone else can go in one ear and out the other.

POINT: There is a time to listen to what they say, and a time to completely disregard what they say.

Don’t get stuck one way or the other; the real trick is swinging back and forth.

Now the enemy quivers, for the weird guy speaks out

-MM

11 Apr Give A Damn?

“Themed boxes for guys who still give a damn” read an advertising tagline I saw the other day. 

Guys my age waste so much money on their wardrobe, trying to prove they are some sort of last bastion of “gentlemen.”  The skeeters of advertising are having a field day on these bubs and tricking them into thinking that what they buy and adorn themselves in is some sort of representation of how much of a man they are?

Don’t be fooled.

If a man truly “gave a damn”, he wouldn’t be a fool with his money and waste his resources on high-end apparel and “lifestyle brand” accessories. You can do just fine in reasonably priced gear and please note: you can absolutely swoon a beautiful woman while wearing off-brand clothes purchased at walmart (I have my reasons to know this is true). 

Find something you look decent in for a good price, and move on. Take that time you would have wasted and develop your mind and tongue, for that’s really how you be a “gentleman” and swoon romances.

I had to really pare this post down from being overly ideological, so I’ll be talking more on this subject in the future. Till then….

Now the enemy quivers, for the weird guy speaks out

-MM

P.S…..PLEASE don’t fall for this “curated box” trend, you can buy those items for much cheaper individually, (and usually higher quality).

28 Mar Separation of Degrees

Last week I went to a show, and there was a popular musician (that I hadn’t listened to) co-headlining. As he was setting up I realized I didn’t know much about him, so I did a quick google. I find out that he studied musical composition at Oberlin Conservatory of Music. Upon reading this, I thought to myself: “gee this guy is gonna be incredible.”

…..Then he started playing.

It was the same ole – same ole’ bro anthem I’ve heard before. Something that could be heard at an open-mic night at a dorm. Again a belief of mine was reinforced.

Don’t be intimidated by a college degree.

Really, college is just like high school. The professors are just trying to get a paycheck. The students are trying to get a grade, to get a diploma, to get a job,  to eventually get a paycheck. No one really cares about learning, it’s merely a transaction of business, and both parties are lobbying apathetically. Students still cheat and cram, and teachers still show movies in class and present half-witted lesson plans. If real learning ever does happen on college campuses, a miracle has been performed, and further yet, if something is learned that applies to real life then, truly, the impossible has happened.

Of course I’m being harsh and discounting multitudes of situations where earnest professors sow seeds of knowledge in fertile minds.  This outcome is NOT fixed however, and if you’ve been to college you’ll agree in saying that it is rare.

It’s not that going to college is wrong or useless, (especially in certain degrees where tangible and profitable skills are acquired ). I write this post to discredit the modern graduate’s bullying tactic of wielding his “degree” as some sort of weapon against his enemies.

There is only one kind of education I fear in my enemy: experience.

I myself have a college degree, but everything I’ve learned came from getting my hands dirty, and so, I don’t care where you studied. If you’re a virgin to grit, we giggle at you and your academia.

To the bullied:

Does someone have more (or “higher quality”) schooling than you? Who cares. You are absolutely NOT out of the game, and you certainly can learn what they’ve learned (or even more) on your own.

Additionally, if you are on the other side of the token, and you are in a position to consider people’s backgrounds. Don’t be swooned by an impressive degree or resumé. Can the person actually provide a lick of hard work?

Everything is a scam, and a college degree is too.

Elbow grease, eternally.

Now the enemy quivers, for the weird guy speaks out.

-MM