I think we tend to fall into this rut because it is so much safer. There’s a great line in Unbreakable after Bruce Willis’ character has learned that he has superpowers, and Sam Jackson’s character has finally convinced him to use these powers for good. Jackson’s character says, “It’s alright to be afraid, David, because this part won’t be like a comic book. Real life doesn’t fit into little boxes that were drawn for it.”

I think we think we find comfort in those staves. They insulate us from the unknown.

I was reminded of this yesterday when I looked up Jimi Hendrix playing at Woodstock. His playing is oftentimes as sloppy as it gets, but it’s brilliant nevertheless!

I couldn’t take my eyes or ears off of the performance. When I contrast that with some “perfect” performances of classical music that I can barely sit through (I’m a classical singer), I wonder where the disconnect is. I feel the same when I see performers who were obviously influenced by people like Hendrix who have incorporated the sloppiness but not the –for lack of a better term — brilliance.

Maybe he just had his priorities right.