"If I would have listened, if I would have understood diabetes like I understood music, maybe these things wouldn't have happened"
- Marvin Isley
About this Quote
Marvin Isley's quote reflects a poignant introspection on the effects of not fully understanding or resolving his diabetes. The phrase "If I would have listened" recommends a moment of regret or a missed out on opportunity for learning or observing recommendations. This indicates there might have been warnings or info offered to him which he chose to overlook or didn't prioritize sufficiently. Listening, in this context, isn't practically hearing-- it's about actively interesting and taking proactive steps based upon that info.
The subsequent clause, "if I would have understood diabetes like I comprehended music," draws an effective parallel between two domains of knowledge: health and art. Isley was renowned for his musical talents, which indicates he committed significant time and energy to mastering his craft. His focus on comprehending music recommends it was intuitive and deeply deep-rooted. By contrasting this with diabetes, Isley suggests that managing his health was not as instinctive or prioritized, possibly due to a lack of engagement or a more profound disconnect with the implications and management of the illness.
Lastly, the phrase "perhaps these things would not have occurred" is open-ended yet packed with implications. While the quote does not define "these things," it hints at adverse effects or issues from diabetes that might have been alleviated or prevented. This is a lament for consequences that feel self-inflicted in hindsight, born not from lack of knowledge, but from a lack of application of known info.
In summary, Marvin Isley's reflection is a universal lesson on focusing on health by promoting for the very same passion and dedication in managing personal well-being as one would for their life's passions. His words work as a suggestion of the value of understanding and taking control of one's health to avoid remorse over avoidable results.
"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away"
"For myself, I can only say that I am astonished and somewhat terrified at the results of this evening's experiments. Astonished at the wonderful power you have developed, and terrified at the thought that so much hideous and bad music may be put on record forever"
"He who joyfully marches to music in rank and file has already earned my contempt. He has been given a large brain by mistake, since for him the spinal cord would suffice"
"Jazz vision is the fusion of music and art a real paradox of same-yet different. Here we play in exchanges, like the hardness of the key of c# major and from the softness of Db major - capturing, reflecting and improvising"
