Balanced Quote by Miles Davis
![“Sometimes [playing free] doesn't happen, because maybe a guy's wife'll come in, you know, and his ego will catch him. If everybody's completely just straight-without any old ladies over here, a fourth of whisky over there; if it's balanced right, it'll come off. It has to be. But when you get egos…” quote by Miles Davis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/91f/miles-davis-1842_balanced_sometimes-playing-free-doesn-t-happen-be_657307.jpg)
“Sometimes [playing free] doesn't happen, because maybe a guy's wife'll come in, you know, and his ego will catch him. If everybody's completely just straight-without any old ladies over here, a fourth of whisky over there; if it's balanced right, it'll come off. It has to be. But when you get egos involved with playing free, you can't do it.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Jazz Musicians on Improvisation, 1970s
Ego interferes with spontaneous collaboration, preventing true freedom in group play.
In simple terms: Ego blocks free play.
Key Takeaway
Set aside ego for true improvisation.
Themes
collaboration
ego
improvisation
freedom
balance
Mood
frustrated
reflective
Type
advice
observational
When to use this quote
- jam sessions
- team projects
- creative workshops
- leadership meetings
Key Concepts
psychology
group dynamics
creative flow
Questions to Reflect On
- How does ego manifest in your group work?
- What steps can you take to keep ego in check?
A Different Perspective
Ego can be hard to recognize and may still influence outcomes.
![“[Prince] could very well be the Duke Ellington of Rock 'n' Roll.” quote by Miles Davis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0fa/miles-davis-1842_dukes_prince-could-very-well-be-the-duke-ellin_142140.jpg)
