Do Not Fear Mistakes. There Are None.

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“Do not fear mistakes. There are none.” – Miles Davis

Miles Dewey Davis III (1926 – 1991) was a musician, composer, and nine-time Grammy award winner who developed and widened the genre of jazz music. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame recognized him as one of the key figures in the history of jazz.

He was raised in a supportive family in Alton, Illinois. It was through his father that he discovered and learned how to play the trumpet. His father put high regard in this skill and hired his friend Elwood Buchanan as his son’s private tutor. Buchanan helped Davis developed his own style which ultimately made his famous later in his life.

At 17, he started playing professionally. He trained further at the Julliard School in 1994. While still studying, he played at Harlem nightclubs where he met other talented jazz players. Through the influence of notable jazz players like Charlie Parker, he and his band developed a new brand of jazz that later paved the way for the modern jazz era.

Miles Davis’ quote shows a positive way of looking at mistakes. This kind of mindset inspires creativity—and other creative minds agree.

“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.” – Scott Adams, American cartoonist

“You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone. Close the door on the past. You don’t try to forget the mistakes, but you don’t dwell on it.” – Johnny Cash, singer-songwriter

“The most creative people have this childlike facility to play.” – John Cleese, English actor