Did you ever hear about the story of the music instrument cleaner who unbeknownst to him got his hands on Grateful Deadâs sound engineer, Owsley Stanleyâs old synthesizer?
The guy in question, is Eliot Curts, an instrument restorer who was cleaning what he thought was just an old synthesizer from an old dark closet at San Francisco Cal State. Curtis thought that the instrument was just dusty, instead it was actually covered in 50 yr. old LSD.
Curtis was tripping balls big-time about an hour before he realized what was wrong with him.
He said it first started with a âweird tingling sensationâ about 45 minutes into the cleaning session.
From there he said he then âsaw the universe openâ for nine straight hours!
So, why am I telling you about a mishap in which a man had an unexpected L.S.D. trip?
Because from this experience, this made Eliot dig down deep and truly begin to enjoy Grateful Deadâs music. He mentioned that he had never really given their music much play before, but the entire experience made for a fond appreciation of the legends of psychedelic rock.
I find myself doing the same with older art, I know OF the art, but havenât watched it, studied it or, given it the appreciation it deserves. Just because itâs not a contemporary film, or album, I have to admit that sometimes I ignore non-contemporary media.
Going back in the past is not a bad thing, society will make you think it is. The only thing people like that are old in America are bearer bonds or early investments in Google.
Forget that; study someone with whom you know of some prominence and research their story.
I promise you that most artists stories will BLOW your mind, while at the same time, teaching you to have a new respect for yourself, and give you principles, ideas, and goals for your own life.
For example: if you love the Rat Pack (Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., etc.) dig a little deeper into one of the members with whom youâre unfamiliar with beyond your superficial knowledge, if you have any.
Read a book about Dean Martin, or watch a documentary about Sammy Davis Jr. I promise you that the information beyond your surface level knowledge will be ripped apart, and your respect, and admiration for that person will increase TENFOLD.
Itâs not only good for learning, but youâre sure to come away with a nugget to apply to your own life. Letâs say, a principle, quote or work ethic to emulate.
Find the gold.
Talk to you tomorrow.