David Bowie: 'I knew that I was 'interesting' at 18 because I was aware that I could get away with doing things on stage.'

I knew that I was 'interesting' at 18 because I was aware that I could get away with doing things on stage.

The quote by David Bowie, "I knew that I was 'interesting' at 18 because I was aware that I could get away with doing things on stage," speaks volumes about his early self-awareness and the power he felt as an artist. Bowie, who was known for his boundary-pushing performances and innovative music, understood the impact he had on stage and the freedom it granted him. This quote highlights his realization that his unique presence allowed him to push societal norms and push the limits of his artistic expression. It is a testament to Bowie's understanding of his own magnetism and the influence it had on his career.However, beyond the straight interpretation of this quote, it also opens the doorway to a deeper philosophical concept - the nature of identity and expression. Bowie's recognition of his ability to 'get away' with things on stage suggests a disconnect between his persona on and offstage. This duality raises essential questions about the integrity and authenticity of our multiple identities.When Bowie says he could 'get away' with things on stage, it implies that he had the freedom to experiment and play with different personas and concepts that may not have been accepted or understood in his everyday life. This contrast between the stage and reality is fascinating because it resonates with a fundamental truth about the human condition - we all wear masks to some degree.In our daily lives, we often conform to societal expectations, adhere to social norms, and suppress parts of ourselves that may not be universally embraced. We create a version of ourselves that is palatable to the world around us, sacrificing our truest and most eccentric expressions for the sake of acceptance.However, on a stage - be it literal or metaphorical - we have the opportunity to shed those societal shackles and fully embrace our uninhibited selves. For Bowie, this meant donning flamboyant costumes, experimenting with innovative makeup, and channeling bizarre characters like Ziggy Stardust. It was on the stage that he found the freedom to express himself boldly and authentically.This concept raises a thought-provoking juxtaposition between our private selves and our public personas. Are we truly free when we have to resort to a stage or a mask to express our deepest desires and quirks? Or should society be more accepting and open-minded, allowing everyone to authentically express their unique selves without fear of judgment?David Bowie's quote suggests that the stage was his sanctuary, a space where he could be his truest and most interesting self. But wouldn't it be even more enriching if we all had the courage to be 'interesting' in our everyday lives? If society fostered an environment that encouraged individuality and curiosity, perhaps everyone would have the opportunity to 'get away' with expressing themselves authentically, regardless of the setting.In conclusion, David Bowie's quote reverberates with a profound understanding of his own artistic power and the freedom he found on stage. Simultaneously, it invites contemplation about the masks we all wear in our daily lives and the potential for a society that celebrates and embraces individuality without the need for stages or masks. Bowie's words offer an opportunity to reflect on our own identities and contemplate how we can create a world where everyone feels 'interesting' and alive in their truest selves.