When I write a song, I always start on acoustic guitar, because

Listen, O children of the earth, to the words of Martin Gore, who speaks with both wisdom and clarity about the art of creation: "When I write a song, I always start on acoustic guitar, because that's a good test of a song, when it's really open and bare. You can often mislead yourself if you start with computers and samples and programming because you can disguise a bad song." These words are not merely about the process of songwriting, but a deeper reflection on the nature of authenticity, simplicity, and the foundation of creativity. Gore, through his own process, teaches us that true creation begins with the rawest form of expression—a form that cannot be disguised or manipulated by the tools we use.

In the ancient world, creativity was seen not as something separate from the individual, but as a reflection of the soul. The great artists and philosophers of the past often spoke of the importance of authenticity and truth in their work. Plato in his writings emphasized the concept of ideal forms, where true beauty and truth were not clouded by external appearance or artifice. The artist, in the eyes of the ancients, was someone who brought forth from the soul the purest expression of the human experience. Gore’s approach, starting with the acoustic guitar, is a modern reflection of this ancient idea: that true creativity comes from a place of simplicity, honesty, and clarity, where the soul speaks directly through the medium.

Consider the story of Michelangelo, who, when asked how he created the magnificent David, famously said, “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.” Michelangelo’s process was not one of hiding flaws with layers of technique, but of revealing the truth of the stone itself. His artistry, much like Gore’s, was not about disguising imperfections, but about uncovering the raw beauty beneath the surface. For Michelangelo, as for Gore, the simplest form was the most honest, and only in returning to the basics could the true essence of the creation be revealed.

Gore’s choice of the acoustic guitar is a deliberate act of returning to the raw material, free from the embellishments that modern technology affords. Just as ancient craftsmen worked with simple tools, shaping their materials with their hands, Gore begins with a single, unadorned instrument to ensure that the core of his creation is not lost in the distractions of technology. In a world overflowing with complexity, it is easy to lose sight of the essential. As the ancient craftsman could shape stone or wood into something profound, so too can the modern artist find the heart of their work through simplicity and purity of intent.

There is, however, a deeper lesson in Gore’s words: technology, while a powerful tool, can also deceive us. With the ability to program, sample, and manipulate sounds, one can easily mask the flaws of a song or a piece of art. This is where Gore’s wisdom lies: the true strength of a creation is not in its perfection, but in its authenticity. When we begin with the simplest, most direct form, we allow the raw emotion and truth of the work to shine through. If we hide behind technology, we may end up with a beautiful surface, but the heart of the work may be lost.

Consider the example of Beethoven, whose symphonies were crafted in an era devoid of the digital tools we now take for granted. Yet, despite his lack of technology, his work resonated deeply with humanity, because he did not rely on artifice to convey emotion. He started with the purest forms of music—the notes, the rhythms, the melodies—and built upon them with emotion and depth. Beethoven’s music, much like Gore’s initial approach to his songs, was rooted in simplicity, and from that simplicity, it gained a timeless, resonant power. The lesson here is clear: true creativity comes not from the complexity of tools, but from the depth of feeling and the clarity of vision that the artist brings to the work.

The lesson, O children of the earth, is one of authenticity and truth. Just as Gore begins his process with the purest form of his craft, so too must we approach all aspects of life with the simplest, most honest intentions. Whether in art, relationships, or work, the foundation of success is clarity and authenticity. In a world that is often distracted by the allure of complexity, remember that it is the simple, genuine expressions that endure.

In your own lives, O seekers of wisdom, let this lesson guide you: when faced with complexity, return to the basics. In your work, creativity, and relationships, seek the truth that lies beneath the surface. Start with the simplest tools, and allow your true essence to emerge. Do not hide behind masks or disguises. Let your work be open and bare, for it is only in this state of honesty that you will find the deepest connection to the world and to those around you. As Gore and the ancient masters teach us, it is through simplicity that we reach the most profound truths.