The Modern Mozart's Two Universal Truths

666 Words | 3 Min 20 Sec Read

Dear Younger Me,

Mozart was recently on a podcast…

No, not the Mozart from centuries ago.

Not the classical Mozart.

The new aged Mozart:

Jacob Collier.

The 29 year old British artist exploded onto the scene in the mid-2010s after some of his Youtube videos went viral.

10 years, four albums, six Grammy’s, and countless collaborations with some of the most famous artists in the industry has led to Jacob being described as a “musical prodigy” and the “Mozart of Gen Z.”

He recently featured on the Colin and Samir Podcast:

Amidst an epic conversation about the creative process, working with famous people, and becoming a master of your craft, Jacob slipped in two profound sentences.

Two profound truths:

“I’m not in control of who I am. My job is to make space for who I am.”

What a lesson we can all learn from. Let’s break it down:

_{Go to 39:55 for the exact moment in the video above.}

I’m Not in Control of Who I Am

The realization that "I'm not in control of who I am" acts is more liberating than you likely feel reading it for the first time.

The statement acknowledges the profound impact of external forces on our personal development. From the family we are born into and the town we grow up in, to the unpredictable events of life, these outside factors shape us in ways beyond our immediate control.

Embracing this truth involves a conscious release of the illusion of control over every aspect of our identity. It's about understanding that the essence of who we are is often a reflection of many influences, a large sum of which are dictated by chance.

Hear this, younger me, when I say that this acknowledgment doesn't diminish our worth or potential; rather, it opens us up to the realization that there is something far greater at play in the tapestry of our being.

In recognizing the complexity of the forces that mold us, we find humility and a deeper connection to the world around us. Relinquish the need to control every facet of our identity and you will understand the breadth of who you can become.

My Job is to Make Space for Who I Am

Jacob Collier’s insight shifts the age old question of "Who am I?" to "How do I make space for who I am?" This subtle yet profound shift in perspective emphasizes two things: action and space — as the main actors through which we discover and define ourselves.

Our being, our essence, is not a static entity but a dynamic construct formed through the acts we undertake, both independently and in response to the world around us.

The spaces we create and inhabit provide the stages upon which we express and explore our identities. These spaces are not just physical environments but the situations, relationships, and projects we engage in. How often do we turn away from a space we should run towards? How often more to we say yes to a space we should run from? These are big decisions made in a whim that should require quiet reflection, followed by bursts of creative expression, and cemented by commitments we make to causes greater than ourselves.

In this process of active space-making, we learn not just who we are but who we have the potential to become. Through deliberate actions and the creation of meaningful spaces, we engage in a continuous dialogue with ourselves and the world, a dialogue that shapes our understanding of our place within it.

A modern Mozart with Machiavellian wisdom. I encourage you to take a listen to his interview in full.

I look forward to writing to you again.

Best,

Older You

P.S: If you need some new music for your playlist, here are some of my favorite Jacob Collier Songs:

1. All I Need ft. Mahalia, Ty Dolla $ign

2. Dancing Queen ft. Alita Moses

3. Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic