[HANASHIR:16559] Re: Quality OF OUR DISCUSSION

[Ros Schwartz <ros...>]

  Ah Karen I don't hear individuals trying to prove each other wrong ... 
but expressing their passion, about a subject of intense personal 
interest to many of us.  To me, the intensity of debate reflects the 
importance of the topic.  I hope that this does not adversely affect the 
participation of others on the list.

First of all, to Danny Maseng, I express my sincere apologies if it 
sounded as though I was saying that what you are doing is driven by $. 
 It is clear to anyone who knows you that the source of your creative 
drive - and your perfectionism - is your sense of holiness in what you 
are doing.  Co-creation with God, with all the sacred responsibility 
that that entails.

My comments about $ had to do with the expectations of the audience. 
 Whether it is right or wrong, it is a reality that the audience expects 
more of a performer whom they paid $100 to see, than one whom they paid 
$5 to see.  And presentation to an audience is a part of the cycle of 
the creative process.

The question keeps coming up - How can we define "quality"?  And what 
degree of quality is "good enough"?

The book "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" has a lovely 
in-depth analysis of Quality, with a capital Q.  In parallel with his 
discussion of Quality in the maintenance of his motorcycle, the author 
addresses Quality in the literary productions of the university students 
that he teaches.  He argues that - although it is often difficult to 
define the parameters of "Quality" with precision - nevertheless we can 
recognise it when we see it.  And - despite individual variations of 
taste - there are also universalities in the recognition of Quality.  
Doesn't matter what genre of music you are listening to, you can tell 
the difference between well crafted and poorly crafted presentations. 
 Translating this into spiritual terms, I would say:  "Quality" is an 
aspect of God.  And - like most aspects of God - although it is beyond 
our human capacity to fully comprehend it - we can understand its echo, 
and recognise it when we see it.

Perhaps we can find a common ground in our discussion, here, if we view 
"Quality" as a _process_, rather than a product.  We all seem to be in 
agreement that - whatever our skills - we could each be even better. 
 This is the essence of a "culture of Quality" - an orientation in which 
we openly accept constructive feedback, and seek ongoing improvement, as 
individuals and as a community.  In the business world, this is called 
"Continuous Quality Improvement" (CQI for short).  The Yiddish 
expression is, "There's no end to better".

How do we create this?  From the grass-roots level.  Working with people 
at every level, to celebrate their accomplishments ... and encourage 
their growth toward their own personal potential.  

We each bring to the table (stage, bima, whatever) different natural 
talents and abilities, which can benefit the community if we share them. 
 We do not have to be "perfect" before we do anything ... in fact, it 
can be an act of withholding, if we do not make our personal 
contribution because we are not "good enough".  To quote our sages, "It 
is not up to you to complete the task ... but neither are you free to 
desist from it."  

- Ros


Danielkare (at) aol(dot)com wrote:

> I think it would be really nice if we could feel free to express 
> opinions and ideas on this list without arguing so much.  It is 
> probably hurting the participation of some people lurking on the 
> list.  What's happening now are long diatribes where individuals are 
> desperately trying to prove that they are right and someone else is 
> wrong.  Come on, we may as well be arguing Orthodox versus Reform... 
>
> Talent, training, quality, all that aside...my goal is and has always 
> been to reach individual souls at an emotional level, and I am 
> grateful for anyone listening to or using my music.  At first the 
> rejections I got for one reason or another were painful, but happily, 
> I have overcome them.  I hope that gives hope to someone else today.
>
> -Karen Daniel
>


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