Labels don't mean anything to me. I'm trying to play as

"Labels don't mean anything to me. I'm trying to play as passionately as I'm able to. If they want to call that cool, that's fine. Just spell the name right, is the formula." These words, spoken by the legendary jazz saxophonist Lee Konitz, reveal the essence of true artistry. Konitz’s statement challenges the very notion of categorization and external validation. In a world that often seeks to label, define, and compartmentalize, Konitz’s philosophy is a refreshing reminder that the value of one's work lies not in the labels applied to it but in the passion and authenticity with which it is created.

The pursuit of excellence, for Konitz, was never about recognition, titles, or accolades. He was not concerned with whether the world viewed his music as "cool" or "innovative"—he was consumed with the act of creation itself. To play with passion, to give oneself fully to the music in the present moment, was the true goal. This is a sentiment that transcends music and touches the heart of any creative endeavor. Whether one is an artist, a writer, a scientist, or a leader, the act of creation should be an expression of passion and truth, not a search for external approval.

Think of the great Michelangelo, whose works, such as the Sistine Chapel, are celebrated as some of the greatest achievements in human history. Yet, Michelangelo himself often expressed frustration with the fame and adoration that his work brought him. His true focus was never on the fame that followed his creations, but rather on the passion he poured into every stroke of the brush, every chisel of the stone. Like Konitz, Michelangelo sought not to be labeled or defined by the opinions of others, but to leave behind a legacy born of truth and devotion to his craft. His work, though revered by many, was always an offering to something greater than public acclaim—it was his art, his soul, on display for the world.

Konitz’s statement about labels echoes the sentiments of other great artists who have rejected the confines of categorization. The poet Rainer Maria Rilke, for instance, urged others to live life with sincerity, to express themselves authentically without concern for how the world might label or perceive them. Rilke’s famous advice, "You must change your life," speaks to the power of living truthfully, without seeking approval from the outside world. Similarly, Konitz understood that the only true measure of success was not how one was labeled, but how deeply one was able to live and create from the heart.

In a world consumed by social media and labels—where every action is tagged, categorized, and judged—Konitz’s words serve as a powerful reminder to live authentically. To be truly alive is to create without concern for what others will think, to pursue one's passion with full commitment, and to express the very essence of who you are. Labels may help others understand, but they often limit the depth of human experience. To break free from these constraints is to embrace the purest form of creativity, where the work itself speaks louder than any name or title ever could.

The lesson here is one of self-expression and individuality. Whether you are an artist, a leader, or simply a person living through the trials of life, the only true success lies in the depth of your engagement with the moment. To live with passion, to create with authenticity, and to express yourself in ways that are true to your inner self—that is the formula. Labels may come and go, but the essence of your being, expressed through your work and your actions, will endure. Do not let the world define you by its categories; instead, define yourself by the intensity of your own passion and the integrity of your actions.

In the end, the challenge is clear: be yourself. Do not chase after titles or external recognition. Rather, pour your heart into everything you do, and let the work itself speak for you. Just as Lee Konitz played his saxophone with passion and truth, so too must we strive to live our lives with the same dedication to authenticity. It is not the labels that matter, but the soul that animates each act of creation. So, let us live without fear of how others may categorize us, for in the end, it is our passion and our truth that will define us—not the labels they place upon us.