"The possible has been tried and failed. Now it's time to try the impossible."
About Sun Ra
Sun Ra — Life and Legacy
Sun Ra, born Herman Poole Blount, was a groundbreaking jazz musician and philosopher whose work transcended traditional boundaries of music and thought. He is best known for his creation of the Arkestra and his unique approach to jazz, which incorporated elements of science fiction, mythology, and cosmic philosophy. Sun Ra's belief that he was an emissary from another planet shaped his artistic vision, leading him to explore themes of freedom and identity in a way that was both revolutionary and deeply personal. His quotes often reflect his core ideas, such as the assertion that 'The universe is my home,' which encapsulates his view of existence as interconnected and boundless. This perspective allowed him to challenge the status quo and advocate for a new understanding of reality, one that embraced the cosmic and the spiritual. Sun Ra's music served as a vehicle for these ideas, blending avant-garde jazz with theatrical performances that invited listeners to experience a different dimension of consciousness. Today, Sun Ra's impact is still felt in the realms of music and philosophy. His emphasis on freedom and self-expression resonates with those who seek to break free from societal constraints, making his work a lasting source of inspiration for artists and thinkers alike. Through his innovative approach, Sun Ra not only redefined jazz but also opened up new avenues for exploring the human experience in relation to the cosmos.
Quote collection
Sun Ra quotes (page 1 of 3)
51 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"Where human eyes have never seen, where human beings have never been, I build a world of abstract dreams, and I wait for you."
"The real aim of music is to co-ordinate the minds of the people into an intelligent reach for a better world and an intelligent approach to the living future."
"I never wanted to be a part of planet Earth, but I am compelled to be here, so anything I do for this planet is because the Master-Creator of the Universe is making me do it. I am of another dimension. I am on this planet because people need me."
"The planet is asleep and it's the fault of musicians who are untrue to themselves."
"Art does not begin with imitation, but with discipline."
"A prophet is not without honor except in his own country among his own people."
"Music is a plane of wisdom, because music is a universal language, it is a language of honor, it is a noble precept, a gift of the Airy Kingdom, music is air, a universal existence common to all the living."
"Well, actually, I'm a psychic being, and you know, we don't concern ourselves with being born; we concern ourselves with being eternal; we deal with the spirit."
"Somewhere in the other side of nowhere is a place in space beyond time where the Gods of mythology dwell. ... These gods dwell in their mythocracies as opposed to your theocracies, democracies, and monocracies. They dwell in a magic world. These Gods can even offer you immortality."
"The light of the future casts the shadows of tomorrow."
"If you’re not mad at the world, you don’t have what it takes"
"The outer space beings are my brothers. They sent me here. They already know my music."
"I think of myself as a complete mystery. To myself."
"I have many names; some call me Mr. Ra, others call me Mr. Re, you can call me Mr. Mystery."
"Heaven is where you'll be when you are okay right where you are."
"The world thinks that music is a commercial commodity. I'm glad that is not my code."
"The music is not part of this planet in a sense that the spirit of it is about happiness. Most musicians play earth things about what they know, but I found out that they are mostly unhappy and frustrated, and that creeps over into their music."
"I'm not into division. I'm into coordination, discipline and tradition."
"Behold the pre-prophetic symbols of the planes of Never. Behold, behold this thisness! This isness."