"We are all part of a tradition, at least we depend on the past"

Klaus Schulze highlights a profound aspect of human existence: the interconnectedness between present actions and the unfolding legacy of the past. Every thought, creation, and cultural manifestation exists as an evolution, building upon what has come before. No matter how innovative or revolutionary individuals may believe themselves to be, their ideas are invariably influenced, even shaped, by the cumulative experiences, knowledge, and creativity of earlier generations.

Tradition, in this sense, is not just a set of customs or rituals preserved over time; it is the living memory and accumulated wisdom embedded within society, arts, sciences, ethics, and our very ways of thinking and perceiving the world. Our language, for example, is inherited from those who spoke before us: the words we use, the stories we tell, even the metaphors we understand, only make sense within a cultural and historical framework. When we make music, paint, or write, we often draw, directly or indirectly, from the styles, themes, and techniques pioneered in earlier eras.

Recognizing dependence on the past does not diminish originality. Instead, it enriches it. Innovators, artists, and thinkers reinterpret, transform, and often transcend tradition, but such transcendence happens within the continuum of human experience. The past provides anchors, references, inspiration, and a foundation upon which new contributions can stand. Even deliberate acts of breaking tradition are defined in relation to what came before; to revolt against a norm, one must be aware of it.

Acknowledging this lineage encourages humility and gratitude, fostering respectful engagement with predecessors' achievements and failures alike. It also situates personal and collective growth within a broader journey, reminding us that every present moment serves as the past for future generations. By understanding and valuing our dependence on tradition, we can consciously shape the legacy we leave behind, ensuring that the ongoing dialogue between past and present becomes an enduring resource for creative renewal and human progress.