Mick Jagger: 'I am not a librarian of my own work. It's a good thing not to be too involved with what you have done.'

I am not a librarian of my own work. It's a good thing not to be too involved with what you have done.

Mick Jagger, the legendary rockstar and frontman of The Rolling Stones, once said, "I am not a librarian of my own work. It's a good thing not to be too involved with what you have done." This quote encapsulates a profound philosophy that can be applied not only to the realm of music but also to our lives in general.On a surface level, Jagger suggests that being too deeply attached to one's past achievements can impede personal growth and hinder the creation of fresh, innovative work. By distancing oneself from the weight of past accomplishments, one remains open to new ideas and experiences. It echoes the sentiment of not resting on one's laurels and continually pushing boundaries.However, beneath the surface, Jagger's words can lead us to ponder a more profound philosophical concept: the nature of identity and the self. To fully comprehend the message behind this quote, we must delve into the realm of metaphysics and explore the idea of an ever-changing self.Consider this: every action we take, every experience we have, shapes and molds us into who we are in this present moment. In this sense, our identity is constantly evolving, much like the ever-changing tides of the ocean. To be too engrossed in our past accomplishments is to cling to an outdated version of ourselves, one that may no longer reflect our true essence.Drawing parallels between Jagger's words and the Eastern concept of impermanence, we can find similarities in the Buddhist notion of "anatta" or "no-self." Buddhists believe that there is no unchanging, permanent self to cling to; rather, our sense of self arises from ever-changing conditions, thoughts, and experiences. By recognizing the impermanence and fluidity of our identity, we can embrace growth, evolution, and the beauty of the unknown.In a world where the pressure to conform and define oneself based on past achievements is prevalent, Jagger's quote invites us to break free from the constraints of our own history. It encourages us to let go of fixed ideas about who we are and what we are capable of, allowing for continuous reinvention and authentic self-expression.By adopting an approach of non-attachment to our past work, we become liberated to explore new horizons, to experiment, and to redefine our creative limitations. Like a sculptor carving away at a block of marble, we chisel away the excess, removing the unnecessary layers of our past works to reveal the raw potential underneath. In doing so, we can tap into undiscovered depths of creativity and inspiration.It is worth noting, however, that Jagger's quote should not be misconstrued as dismissive or downplaying the significance of one's past achievements. Rather, it encourages a healthy detachment, urging artists and individuals alike to see their creative journey as an ongoing process rather than a final destination. It fosters a mindset of perpetual curiosity and openness, where we are constantly evolving and reinventing ourselves.In conclusion, Mick Jagger's quote, "I am not a librarian of my own work. It's a good thing not to be too involved with what you have done," conveys a profound message that extends beyond the realm of music. By embracing a mindset of non-attachment to our past achievements, we can free ourselves from the limitations of our own history and open doors to new possibilities. It challenges us to embrace impermanence, reinvention, and the ever-changing nature of our identity. So let us not be confined by our past successes but instead embrace the uncharted paths that lie ahead.