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Listening to music Quote by Haruki Murakami

“A man is like a two-story house. The first floor is equipped with an entrance and a living room. On the second floor is every family member's room. They enjoy listening to music and reading books. On the first underground floor is the ruin of people's memories. The room filled with darkness is the…” quote by Haruki Murakami
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““A man is like a two-story house. The first floor is equipped with an entrance and a living room. On the second floor is every family member's room. They enjoy listening to music and reading books. On the first underground floor is the ruin of people's memories. The room filled with darkness is the second underground floor. How deep is it? Nobody knows. Going down to the first underground floor, people can write novels and music. However, I believe that such works cannot move people's hearts. F. Scott Fitzgerald said; "If you want to tell a story which is different from others, use words that are different from others." Thelonious Monk's music is so unique that we cannot believe he played his music with popular instrument such as the piano. The depth of this kind of art can move people's heart. These artists found a way to go down to the deep underground floor. First underground floor novels are easy to be criticized, because they are easy to understand. Second underground floor novels, however, can touch hearts. The difference between the two is like the difference between a spa and a house bath, or Mozart and Salieri. I would like to go down to the deep underground floor without going mad.””

Haruki Murakami

About This Quote

Source Novel: Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World, 1985

Artistic depth requires confronting hidden memories and uncomfortable truths, not just surface appeal.

In simple terms: True art digs into subconscious, not just entertainment.

Key Takeaway

Seek deeper expression beyond comfort.

Themes

creativity depth memory artistic risk authenticity

Mood

introspective challenging

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • writing
  • music composition
  • literary criticism
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

psychology existentialism art theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you explore hidden layers in your own work?
  • What fears arise when you go beyond the familiar?
A Different Perspective

Superficial works may please but rarely transform.

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