My teacher, Ben Johnston, was convinced that our tuning is…
““My teacher, Ben Johnston, was convinced that our tuning is responsible for much of our cultural psychology, the fact that we are so geared toward progress and action and violence and so little attuned to introspection, contentment, and acquiescence. Equal temperament could be described as the musical equivalent to eating a lot of red meat and processed sugars and watching violent action films. The music doesn't turn your attention inward, it makes you want to go out and work off your nervous energy on something.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Equal temperament drives cultural emphasis on external action, neglecting introspection and contentment, similar to a diet of processed foods.
In simple terms: Tuning influences cultural psychology toward action over reflection.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how cultural factors shape behavior.
Themes
music
culture
psychology
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
Action film:0
Music:1
Music theory:1
Psychology:1
Temperament:1
Equal Temperament:1
Temperament Described:1
Tuning Responsible:1
Cultural Psychology:1
When to use this quote
- music education
- social analysis
- personal reflection
- media consumption
Key Concepts
temperament
equal temperament
cultural conditioning
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your environment shape your inner life?
- Can music choices affect your emotional balance?
A Different Perspective
Changing musical tuning alone won’t shift deep cultural habits.