Optimism

A grab-bag of left-over quotes, here at the end of the series. Don’t expect too much continuity.

“The basis of optimism is sheer terror.”
Oscar Wilde

I never knew exactly where Wilde was going with this, so I’ve adopted my own interpretation. The “sheer terror” is universal; we only get ourselves into trouble when we pretend it’s avoidable.  And only when we accept the terror as our lifelong companion can we be optimistic.

If you’re terrified by the uncertainty of what it means to carve out a life in the arts, of living the cruelly examined life, of making yourself vulnerable again and again… well, you’re only human. You should be scared. So get over it and believe the best.

“Sometimes the light at the end of the tunnel really is a light,
and not another approaching train.”

Believe that the light you see is a good sign. If you’re wrong, there’s no irreparable harm done. If you live as if every light is an oncoming train, it exacts a price that you shouldn’t have to pay. (These words written here by a woman who plays the pessimist card at every available opportunity…)

“Le jour qui luit est le meilleur.”
(The day that dawns is the best one.)
Leconte de Lisle

I have little patience for people who constantly complain about getting older. If you catch me doing it, slap me.

“The purpose of life is to be defeated by greater and greater things.”
Ranier Maria Rilke

And while we strive to remember that most of us who read this are more fortunate than most other people in the history of the world, that can’t translate that into complacency. If our needs for food, shelter, and companionship are met, we have an obligation to put ourselves out there to be defeated by greater and greater things.

“There are two ways to live your life.
One is as though nothing is a miracle.
The other is as though everything is a miracle.”
Albert Einstein

See you tomorrow for the final installment.

And this is your reminder that the final application deadline for the remaining audition tour cities (Houston, Chicago and Vienna VA) is tomorrow night at midnight!