"I'm rarely grabbed by anything the way I was when I was 10 years younger. About the only relatively new artists whose albums I own are Beck, and They Might Be Giants"

The quote by Greg Egan assesses the inevitability of personal development as one ages, especially in the realm of artistic and musical tastes. Egan suggests a reducing frequency in experiencing profound psychological or intellectual engagement with new art or music as he ages; something he experienced more readily a years earlier. This is a typical sentiment, typically credited to changes in neural plasticity, and societal and cognitive shifts as people grow.

This decrease in being "got" by new art could be tied to the development of a well-defined and specific taste gradually. When someone is younger, they are more available to checking out a vast variety of genres and styles. With age, tastes tend to end up being more refined and certain preferences are solidified, causing less unique experiences that can evoke the exact same intensity of fascination or psychological action.

The mention of Beck and They Might Be Giants as the only fairly brand-new artists whose albums he owns highlights a selective welcome of newness. It recommends that while Egan has actually ended up being more discerning, he still seeks and values originality and skill, represented by these artists understood for their innovation and unique designs. Beck is renowned for his eclectic noise and fusion of diverse genres, and They Might Be Giants are commemorated for their quirky and non-traditional musical approaches. This choice reflects Egan's appreciation for artists who challenge norms and provide something distinctive, even if they are not representative of the broader modern musical landscape.

Egan's quote likewise indicates a fond memories for the past and an acknowledgment of how experiences and affinities shift with age. It suggests a longing for the days when encounters with art were more viscerally exciting or impactful, a belief shared by lots of as they look back on the eagerness and freshness of their younger selves.