David Bowie: 'Funk, I don't think I have anything to do with funk. I've never considered myself funky.'

Funk, I don't think I have anything to do with funk. I've never considered myself funky.

David Bowie once famously said, "Funk, I don't think I have anything to do with funk. I've never considered myself funky." At first glance, this quote may seem like a simple statement about the musician's personal style and musical genre preferences. However, delving deeper into its meaning reveals a profound thought that challenges the way we perceive ourselves and our connection to certain traits or identities. Bowie's words invite us to question the concept of self-perception and transcend the boundaries of categorization. This juxtaposition sets the stage for an exploration of a philosophical concept - the fluidity of identity and the illusion of fixed characteristics.In our society, we often classify people based on certain attributes or labels. We think in terms of categories: artistic, quirky, athletic, or in Bowie's case, funky. It becomes easy to define ourselves and others using these fixed labels, limiting our potential for growth and development, both personally and creatively. Yet, Bowie's remark about funk challenges this tendency, urging us to discard preconceived notions and embrace the unexpected.By disassociating himself from funk, Bowie expresses a deeper belief - one that suggests that true creativity lies outside the confines of a single genre or label. It's an invitation to break free from the constraints of categorization and discover new facets of oneself. Bowie, as an artist known for his chameleon-like nature, constantly reinvented himself and fearlessly blended various genres of music. His refusal to confine himself to a single style exemplifies the importance of embracing versatility and exploring uncharted territories.This notion of transcending fixed identities is not limited to Bowie's musical career but extends to our own lives. We too often fall into the trap of defining ourselves by singular characteristics, whether it's our job, relationship status, or hobbies. However, adopting a fluid perspective on identity could unlock a world of endless possibilities. Just as Bowie fearlessly navigated different musical genres, we too should embrace a multi-faceted approach to life and allow ourselves to evolve and adapt as circumstances change.The philosophical concept that emerges from Bowie's words is reminiscent of Eastern philosophies, particularly the notion of non-duality. Non-duality refers to the idea that everything, including ourselves, is interconnected and exists on a continuum rather than being separate entities. This perspective challenges the illusion of fixed identities and encourages us to see beyond the surface-level categorizations that society imposes on us.In a way, Bowie's claim of not being funky aligns with the concept of non-duality. It suggests that true authenticity and creativity lie beyond the confines of a single label and that every person possesses an infinite potential to explore different aspects of themselves. It encourages us to break free from the limitations of preconceived notions and embrace the fluidity of our identities that constantly shift and transform over time.So, the next time we find ourselves confined within the boundaries of a singular definition, let us take inspiration from Bowie's words and challenge the notion. Let us embrace the unexpected, break the mold, and explore the unexplored facets of our own uniqueness. After all, just like David Bowie, we too have the ability to transcend labels and categories to craft a life that is truly extraordinary.