Instruments Quote by Laurie Anderson
“Something that has so much power must have life. Instruments have life.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Music and Performance Art, 1995
Powerful objects are imbued with agency, suggesting they possess a form of life akin to living beings.
In simple terms: Objects can seem alive when they hold power.
Key Takeaway
Recognize agency in tools and technology.
Themes
technology
agency
perception
art
philosophy
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- creative work
- musical performance
- technology design
- environmental interaction
Key Concepts
Animism
instrumental agency
Questions to Reflect On
- How does attributing life to objects affect our responsibility?
- When does agency become a metaphor?
A Different Perspective
Power can be misleading; objects may not truly possess life.
![“[The Community's] crosses and trials give me confidence. But I derive my hope above all, and most especially, from our utter incapacity, for it is always upon nothingness that God is pleased to rear His works. If at any day we accomplish some good here, the glory will certainly be His alone, since…” quote by Theodore Guerin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2b8/theodore-guerin-54729_accomplish_the-community-s-crosses-and-trials-give_7176.jpg)