"I found a greater identity with my own emotions in the Armenian culture as I grew older, as well as from the beginning, although I didn't know anything about it"

Alan Hovhaness, an American author of Armenian and Scottish descent, is reflecting on his individual and psychological journey in connection with his Armenian heritage. The quote, "I found a higher identity with my own feelings in the Armenian culture as I grew older, as well as from the beginning, although I didn't know anything about it", suggests an extensive and evolving relationship with his cultural roots.

At first, Hovhaness acknowledges an intrinsic emotional connection to the Armenian culture. This connection seems almost instinctual, happening even before he had any conscious understanding or understanding of the culture itself. It speaks with the concept that cultural identity can be an inherent part of a specific, affecting one's feelings and sense of self from the beginning, even in the lack of specific understanding or education about that culture. This lines up with the concept that cultural identity can be subliminally gone through generations, impacting individuals on a subconscious level.

As Hovhaness grew older, his recognition with his Armenian heritage ended up being more extensive and conscious. This recommends that life experiences, maturity, and maybe intentional exploration of his Armenian roots deepened his understanding and emotional resonance with this element of his identity. As he acquired more understanding, his connection to this culture became more meaningful and structured, enabling him to draw more from its impacts in his work and individual expression.

The duality in his experience-- sensation connected from the beginning yet becoming more conscious and identified as he grew-- highlights the dynamic nature of cultural identity. It evolves over time, affected by both internal reflections and external explorations. For Hovhaness, this connection most likely affected his music, which typically incorporated Armenian styles and instruments, enhancing his structures with a distinct mix of his cultural impacts. Through this journey, he discovered a much deeper connection with his own emotions, suggesting that embracing his heritage enabled him to explore and comprehend his psychological landscape more fully, adding to his growth both as an individual and an artist.