All my big mistakes are when I try to second-guess or please an
All my big mistakes are when I try to second-guess or please an audience. My work is always stronger when I get very selfish about it.
The words of David Bowie, “All my big mistakes are when I try to second-guess or please an audience. My work is always stronger when I get very selfish about it,” carry the weight of an artist who has wrestled with both glory and failure. He speaks of the eternal struggle between the voice within and the clamor without, between the sacred fire of creation and the tempting applause of the crowd.
To serve the audience before serving the soul is, he declares, the path of error. For when the artist bends too much toward the desires of others, the song loses its purity, the vision its sharpness, the truth its flame. Such mistakes are not failures of craft, but betrayals of the self — the forgetting of the inner voice that alone gives birth to authentic art.
Yet when he turns inward, becoming selfish in the highest sense, his work rises to its fullest power. To be selfish here is not to be arrogant, but to be faithful to the truth that dwells within, the muse that whispers only to the one who dares to listen. In this solitude, the artist drinks from the well of originality, and from it pours forth creations that endure.
Thus, Bowie’s words are a teaching to all who labor in art or craft: do not chase the fleeting favor of the crowd, for their desires shift like sand in the wind. Anchor instead to the deep well of the self, where the strongest work is born. To future generations, let this be remembered — the path to greatness is not through pleasing others, but through the courage to remain true to one’s own vision.
HPhanh pham
Bowie’s perspective on mistakes and creativity is eye-opening. We all know the pressure to please others, but Bowie’s success came from trusting his instincts. How much of our own creative potential is stifled when we focus on external validation? Do you think it’s harder to be authentic in the age of social media, where everyone’s constantly trying to meet expectations and gain approval?
NNguonthientan
I love how Bowie describes his creative process. The idea of getting selfish with your work is such an interesting way to view art. It’s a good reminder that while collaboration and feedback are important, the essence of creativity comes from within. Have you ever experienced a moment where your best work came from ignoring others' opinions and just doing what felt right to you?
THhoang vo tuan hung
David Bowie’s quote is a reminder that our best work often comes from being unapologetically ourselves. When we try to second-guess our instincts or cater to others' views, we risk losing authenticity. How often do we see this happen in the creative process? Have you ever felt that your work improved once you started focusing more on what *you* wanted, rather than what others thought?
UDGiang Uyen Doanh
Bowie’s reflection on second-guessing himself and trying to please an audience resonates deeply. How many times have we all adjusted our approach or ideas to fit into what we think others want? His message suggests that true creativity shines through when we get 'selfish' with our work, focusing solely on what truly matters to us. Do you agree that stepping away from others' expectations can help unleash our best work?
Llevykhanh
David Bowie’s words really hit home. It’s easy to get caught up in what others expect from us, especially in creative fields, but his insight about focusing on what feels right to you personally is so powerful. Do you think we often sabotage our own work by trying too hard to please others? How do we find that balance between staying true to ourselves and meeting external expectations?