Why Are So Many Cultural Pioneers Dying Lately?
Les Paul died today. I was moved deeply by his passing. I own a tobacco-burst Les Paul Classic electric guitar. It’s got a slim neck, the frets are buttery, the pickups are hot. It always sounds the way it should. I saw Les’ ghostly face in the haze of my rainy-day-lit studio and he swam through my soul, a cool breeze with a bluesy center. I had to give my baby some love and plug her in. Thanks Les.
Today, we lost a guy who changed popular culture so much by his inventive spirit. One person’s relatively short existence can have an awesome, accelerating effect on our speed towards the future of humankind. It seems like so many of these pioneers have died in the last year: guitar legend Les Paul, Zoo York original Andy Kessler, iconic filmmaker John Hughes, Michael Jackson, Ed McMahon, Walter Cronkite – each one of these guys were pioneers in their field. They all had a direct or substantial indirect effect on my life and I’m sure on yours as well.
I believe that their deaths are happening so close together so that we spontaneously, collectively realize the majesty of the human spirit. We each must tap our own individual potential for the sake of each other. People everywhere should be getting in touch with their own true self for our own well-being. I know it’s happening, you know it is too. Let’s be positive about it. Don’t be scared and go screaming at your peers, you’ll just look ignorant and frightened like an unfed baby or a turtle spinning on its back. Simply smile and strive.
Let’s reach higher! But not for money, or fame, but for peace, love and unity. Let’s figure out how to make all of us happy, not just me and mine. Let us find ways to live beyond even our dreams – like they did. Let’s stop thinking we know everything and start thinking we don’t and appreciate that fortunate result of the human experience – we won’t ever know, there’s just so much possibility out there.
That woman sitting next to you on the train later, might just be your hero some day, or maybe, even cooler, you’re the hero? Or cooler than that, way cooler, every one of us is a hero.
What, I need to wear tights with a big symbol on the front and leap tall buildings in a single bound?
Acknowledge your heroes every day by taking their example of focus and strength and apply it to the good of humanity. You’ll feel way better, and so will I.
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