Mike Gordon: 'The worst thing I could be thinking is how could I be a cool bass player.'

The worst thing I could be thinking is how could I be a cool bass player.

"The worst thing I could be thinking is how could I be a cool bass player." - Mike GordonMike Gordon, renowned bass player of the band Phish, captures a profound sentiment with this quote. In its straightforward interpretation, he is suggesting that aspiring musicians should avoid fixating on the idea of being a "cool" bass player. Rather than chasing an external image or seeking validation from others, Gordon advises musicians to focus on authenticity and their personal artistic growth. This quote highlights the importance of genuine self-expression in music, free from the pressures of conforming to societal perceptions of coolness or trendiness.Digging deeper into this quote, an unexpected philosophical concept emerges. Beneath the surface, Gordon's words reflect a powerful lesson applicable beyond the realm of music: the perils of seeking external validation and the significance of embracing one's true self.In our society, there is an insidious tendency to equate worth with external validation. We often find ourselves desperately seeking approval and tirelessly striving to fulfill predefined notions of "coolness" in various aspects of life. Whether it is in our career, relationships, or personal ambitions, the fear of being uncool can overshadow our true identities and inhibit our personal growth.Like a musician trying to be a "cool" bass player, we may become so preoccupied with fitting into molds or meeting societal expectations that we lose touch with our own creativity and authenticity. We risk sacrificing our unique voices, ideas, and talents in favor of conforming to an ideal that ultimately holds little substance or meaning.Instead, we should pause and reflect on what it means to be truly cool — to be genuinely ourselves. True coolness lies in the liberation from external judgments and the courage to embrace our quirks, passions, and individuality. It is a state of mind where self-acceptance and self-expression flourish, free from the constraints of societal norms.Embracing this unexpected philosophical concept, the parallels between Gordon's quote and the broader tapestry of human existence become strikingly apparent. It is not just aspiring musicians who grapple with the pressures of coolness; everyone faces the temptation to conform and seek validation at some point in their lives.In fact, artists like Mike Gordon often serve as reminders to break free from societal shackles. Through their pursuit of creative authenticity, they inspire us to question the molds that confine us and to discover our true selves. They encourage us to find our unique rhythms, melodies, and harmonies in life, even if they deviate from conventional perceptions of coolness.Ultimately, Mike Gordon's quote invites us to contemplate the worst thing we could be thinking. Is it how we could be a cool professional, a cool partner, or a cool individual? Or is it, perhaps, how we could immerse ourselves in the pursuit of authenticity, expressing our passions without fear of judgment?Perhaps, by setting aside the preoccupation with external coolness and embracing our genuine selves, we can unlock the true coolness that lies within each of us—the coolness of being unapologetically, authentically, and beautifully ourselves.