Singing the counter-melody

I started playing gigs regularly for folks with brain injuries and strokes. Most rewarding shows in all my 35 years playing. Generosity will take me far. Thanks for posting.

And that's why we read your stuff !

This reminds me of that quote about wise people being full of doubts - or my favourite, which is apparently Segal's Law:

"A man with a watch knows what time it is. A man with two watches is never sure."

Please keep singing ☺

Ian

Your articles always stir something in me, so thank you for taking the time!

Isn't it self-righteousness, to justify a lack of realism and nuance in your writing by claiming "if I'm wrong, I'm just a counterpoint"?

Isn't it laziness to only present an extreme, and leave the reader to sort out whether you really mean what you're saying, or merely being counter-cultural for the sake of it?

People follow writers that make confident claims, but people really learn truth from writers who seek it, instead of "the counterpoint."
Yep! ☺ Good point. (That said, I do actually mean everything I say, but I don't think it's the only correct point of view.) — Derek

Man - this is great. I use the similar approach in my daily life. Paradoxes, opposites, the non-conformist approach is always worth following.

Thanks for sharing your insights.

As someone wise once said, whatever. Keep up the good work, Derek.

Boom. Love it.

Thank you Derek. You have come into my life at the right point, and encouraged me to be me.

Thank you.

I'm just reading Henry Ford's autobiography

He basically wrote an entire book
about how he does business
and how so many others were
doing it wrong.

He relied on trusting his workers
Paying his workers
Asking if the opposite were true
Trying to please his customers
not his shareholders and so much more

Kind of reminded me of this

I feel like I need more of the "money can lead you to your purpose" talk myself. Somehow in my upbringing I was not given a strong emotional connection to work as a way to create monetary value as a way to create freedom to work on what I want... If that makes sense.

In the end it has lead me to working countless hours on things that I care about to the detriment of things that could possibly make me money. I've done so much free work, because it seemed more interesting or helpful for someone else at the time. Maybe it's a bit of fear of failure that is associated with being paid. It holds more weight and makes me anxious so I tend to avoid it more easily.

Anyway, enough self-psychoanalysis. What I'm trying to say is that I appreciate your point-of-view. 1) It's not fun to struggle financially for years. 2) Work that people are willing to pay you for is one nice way to show there is value in it. 3) I don't remember what 3 is... but thanks for the posts Derek! I'm all for following your passions, but the counter-point is important to keep in mind. I need it for sure!

Derek, thank you for one of life's lesson's that is delivered in a musical message, keep on teachin' and preachin'. A side note I remember a teacher in the school system of Philadelphia who use to come by Philadelphia International Records to get promo copies of our releases and use them to teach his class different parts of speech and spelling...stay well my brother. Respect.

Great stuff Derek. I always enjoy your posts.

One of the nice things about counterpoint is the abiliy to have not just one, but multiple, as you say, countermelodies going at once that all complpement each other and conjure forth a bigger, often different, picture than any one of them is able to do alone.

Derek,

Thanks for this. I've often found myself trapped in my own contradictions. And I've never had words to describe feeling of wanting to go against what everybody else is saying.

Keep up the counter-melody and dancing to the beat of your own drum.

Thanks...
Jodi

Thanks, always a joy to be reminded of wisdom.

I'm glad you followed up. I WAS confused by some of the advise/thoughts from your last post. 99% of the time your posts are like "lighting on my brain" ... that one muddled me. Helps to contextualize it a bit.

I like your attitude!

I Love this & your counter melodies! There isn't a one size fits all solution to anything and Im glad you highlight the opposites :)

I read everything you write. I feel beyond fortunate to have at one time found your blog and subscribed. Your approach is a non Selfish and always helpful opinion. I haven't commented on your blogs much but tonight after a long business discussion with a friend I felt compelled to share. If my comments can reach or inspire one reader tonight I will feel fulfilled. If not it's off my chest

I probably lost readers by now with the intro but here's my thoughts. Dereck you give and tell selflessly. You always Wright with compassion with an open and helpful set of information. My thoughts tonight bring me to tell the story of been there tried hard, did good, did bad, succeeded and failed. And I'm ok. With this information I want to inspire everyone who has an idea of concept to get it off the table and start the project. Do it. Start. Begin. Everything starts with trying and nithing happens with-I'm-a-gonna's. Go ahead and fail or succeed because 20 years goes by fast and I absolutely know you will grow along the way.

Enough of the inspirational quotes. Tonight my friend couldn't see the reasoning on ho I plan on spending 10,000 on a new website, a new blog program and a new overall brand build up. My business is tattoo. I started a beautiful tattoo studio 3 years ago. There are 6 artists all at different levels of experience. They are all hand selected for their friendly personality and skill. He tells me I'm set. I have everything. I'm making the exact money I should. My crew are all busier than they have ever Been in their lives. Everything is killing it. Why would I waste money on web, blog and internet presence? I love and appreciate his concern and I tried to show him the light I found. I am personally a succssful artist. One yer book out. Great clients. My crew is starting to get booked up the selves. So what do they need. More money? I'm sure. Of course. Who doesn't want that. Maybe they want recognition. Maybe they want better clients that fit their style. My fries X could not understand how I could foolishly blow 10,000 on my shop when it's not even needed.

So here's what I tried to tell my friend with hope that he trusts me and sees the big picture for his own business. If you have a good business and your true and respectful to your product then you absolutely should share and inform the world. If u can spare a little cash. 100-500- 10000 absolutely reinvest in your business. Please don't assume profit and relax on minamilism.
My idea is to elevate all my artists. First create an amazing and well read website. Your website commands authority and respect. the very first page should show authenticity and perfect Brand respect. Next is our blogs. Who the hell knows how to blog well.... I'm learning and I am going to tach each of my team how to do it. Does this waste time? Absolutely not. We are creating a strong authoritative presence and lastly take th me time to do meaningful photography of your craft. the growth is Infinate. To end. Respect your biz. Be the best for our self and crew and keep on learning. Be selfless and reinvest in your team

So what do you do Derek when people tell you your counter-melody is just noise?

Do you keep singing?

Marcin Ryczek's composition is as beautiful as nature can be. No human could ever compose or replicate this and get away with it. It would look, as much artwork does today,"pastiche". We can never replicate such perfection as we are only capable of capturing it; if we can. Lucky for us Ryczek did, otherwise it would have gone unnoticed. . . Does a tree sing in the wind when no one hears it? You're damned right it does. To think otherwise is to consider ourselves above it all. And Lord knows. . . we "ain't".

The countermelody metaphor is brilliant! It's perfection but for a small slice of the population.

I say this because, unfortunately, many people without a background in theory are going to interpret it as "counterpoint" which, in my opinion, is completely missing the point (no pun intended).

thanks!

Thanks again for your insight. It's not surprising that you used an analogy from the world of music. I am surprised that I've never heard of it before. I really like the idea and it reminds me of different schools of thought that deal with opposites and how they can coexist within one person. The most regular example I see is someone who says they are both introverted and extroverted. So perhaps the introvert needs the counter melody of the extrovert in order to have one whole personality that is healthy and strong?

Timely...a smart "counter-melody" in regards to the music industry put out there today by Tracy:

http://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/the-music-industry-needs-more-innovators-and-fewer-lawyers/

I agree with your counterpoint philosophy.
"It's better to give than to receive." (Jesus's words)
and getting ahead by helping others to succeed
has helped Robert Kiyasaki (RichDad,PoorDad)
in his success. We need that reminder that we are
here to help each other

Three blind men were asked to describe an elephant. The one touching the tail said an elephant is like a rope. The one touching the legsaid the elephant is like a tree trunk. The one touching the elephant's nose (or trunk) said the elephant is like a snake. They were all right and wrong at the same time. Full story here...

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blind_men_and_an_elephant

Abrazo para ti, Derek!

Luisa

Derek you've been the best counterpoint ever! Your counter-melody has made my musical career turn into a majestic symphony, and it's still growing! Thank you for everything you did in your life and the sharing of it!

This I totally see/get in your writing which is probably why I love it. Not a lot of people in my circles can listen with an open mind to appreciate a broader range of thought. It's more bugging to them than bright. :)

I love it! And the key distinction is that it's not necessarily just for the sake of being contradictory or going for shock value, but where you actually see value in the opposite and it's important to shake people out of the herd mentality sometimes.

Beautiful - like a Bach Canon.

Hi Derek,
Really appreciate your posts! Studying something now, completely different in everyday perception. When I'm more knowledgeable and can speak more clearly about it, I'll attempt to express it to you. I think you'll be fascinated. Again, thanks!
Best,
Arthur

Awesome!

Having heard the mainstream opinions and yours, I often feel closer to your way of thinking. You are always adding an alternative point of view based on your own experience and that have a lot of value. Thx

Well said! I feel your passion and sincerity.

Robert Frost, eat your yellow forest.

I think the complete opposite of this post is correct... :)

Josh

Love the comparison to counter-melody!

Derek -

Love your thoughts, concepts and visions! Awesome! Please keep them up!!

Love this :)

Thanks Derek - Zig/Zag - Yin/Yang - Melody/countermelody. Balance. Yes, thank you for this.

Love it, and the distinction between countermelody and harmony. I've been hearing a lot of discussion about The Devil's Advocate, which countermelody is not - it's informed by the melody, but isn't necessarily "against" it.

When I hear pat, binary approaches, I'm thankful that there's at least some consideration of other perspectives, but wonder why it's so easy to be placated by merely one more. We should consider opposite *and* orthogonal perspectives *and* more that even eschew the framing of the situation that allows the construct of opposition. We need more thinking, particularly on the biggest decisions. We need to be aware of the frames that set up thinking, and make deliberate effort to tee up issues with other frames.

I love your very helpful provocation, good sir!

Hi Derek,

In Dutch countermelody ( tegenmelodie)
Two melodies in one song

Best Regards
Jan

Derek....
Thank you always for sharing your wisdom
I find listening to my inner voice with
balance of mind, body and soul
I hear the messages in my song.
Staying open to possibilities.
You rock my friend
Keep on believing,
Denise

Derek, thanks for allowing the criticisms and not just the lemmings that cheer you.

The perspectives you share are inspired and refreshing. I love the questions the opposite true.

Thx

Mr. Sivers, praise be to YHWY for leading me to this safe place. Your inclusive sounds turn the exclusive sounds in my brain inside out, leaving me chewing on the cud for days.

Nicely put. Not really necessary, but perhaps helpful for some scratching their heads at times. Also- I love that image.

Ooo Derek - as a singer, I get it. I've been a mezzo-soloist and an alto all my life and counter melody is my "thang", maybe that's why I think I get you so much. ! I've been revisiting some Tim Ferris podcasts and was queuing yours up next again when I saw your email. Very timely. Love this. Thanks. - Annie.

I admire the counter melody! I crave it. Thank you. I get the need to explain yourself in the face of criticism, but I kind of wish you hadn't. Playing devil's advocate doesn't work as well when you're telling people you're doing it. At least this comment section can help prove that a majority of us do get and appreciate your POV even if we don't always voice it.

It's a shame people felt the need to attack your points instead of listening as a way to strengthen their own opinions (which ironically was one of the first 'do this' directives).

But I'm upset with myself for not thanking you before this post. The Internet is full of people quick to bitch, I want to be the counter melody that is quick to praise. Imagine how beautiful the Internet would be if we actually encouraged differences and fostered new ideas.

Thanks again and keep on making beautiful stuff.

After I read Anything You Want and started my small business on those principles I hear your melody as the MAIN MELODY.

That's this 'out of the box' kind of thinking that I like! I am pretty confident about my skills, but I have to admit I don't have this capacity to think differently (I guess I have it a little bit, but just like the other man). I don't necessarily think like the mainstream (I actually rarely do), but basically, all my beliefs have already been explained brilliantly by some others than myself. To say things differently, artistically I create, but I feel that intellectually, I never create. I just develop what others created, and, hopefully, I use these ideas well. But I don't create them.

Several of your articles just give me new light on some things, that I had never thought about, and never read anywhere! I am keeping hope that eventually, these kinds of readings will stir some original ideas in my brain, one day. Until then, well, others' ideas can be used fairly well. ;)

I love your counterpoint! Please don't stop!

Keep writing. You are one of only 3 bloggers I read. I love that you present a counterpoint. It is always important to look at everything from multiple angles if we are to be successful.

One of the principles of dialectic is keeping in mind that your own opinions could be wrong and the other persons are right. When you come up against opinions that clash with your own point of view it helps to explore what is being said. Edward de Bono who has written extensively about thinking highly valued contrary points of view. It helps to break the slumber into which we all too easily fall.

I like you musical metaphor of counterpoint. Heard in isolation it can appear to class, but when the time is taken to listen to the whole, it makes for much fuller and richer sound.

Thanks for this post. It's a reminder to find what works for you... and not to be judgemental, unless you just enjoy suffering.

Love the way your mind works <3
Keep 'em posts and mails comming!

Thank you Derek, this explains a lot about the context of your posts.

So many people (myself included) sometimes read the insights of a highly successful person and think, 'ok - this is truth I've been looking for' and charge off in that direction. In reality, it' s perspective that needs to be incorporated to the individual's experience and goals.

This makes a lot of sense and I'm glad you shared it, because I was about ready to stop listening.

I used to read all your CDbaby articles that you wrote way back in the day and I learned so much. I've practiced and believed in your CDbaby advice for a lot of my adulthood and now enjoy what you share here. You don't know me but I respect you and admire you and feel I know you a little via all your shared ideas. You've helped me more times than I can count. Thank you for always being positive and selfishly sharing your thoughts.

Seems very wise to me...most of our truths can turn upside down, and opposites will reach the same point..all thoughts are subjective to change and how we perceive them...i love that you keep us thinking...that's what's important! Thanks Derek x Tina

Derek you are right on target in my book; love the concept and actually using this approach on two songs on my groups new CD we are working on , considering making a bonus DVD with one of those two songs on it and one other song that will not be on the CD but maybe to be released as a single.

Keep doing what you do.

Jean

Stop overcompensating!

That picture added an exclamation point to your message.
Spectacular photo!

Thanks for explaining your melodies.
(But I always got it.)

Curiosity wins!

Hi Derek,

I love getting your emails on any topic. Your insights are often delightfully outside-the-box, yet simultaneously sensible, eminently practical, and uniquely humanistic. Your views on anything always have a payoff with "news I can use." They not only offer food for thought, they also teach me how to fish.

I just read the interview that you did with Tim Ferriss, and I really enjoyed it, especially the story of how you jazzed up your thank you email for CD Baby. It reminded me of how I first heard of you. It was via a similar thank you for an order I placed with Miracle Noodles, who credited you with the tagline…inspired by Derek Sivers. So of course, I had to google you, and I've been a big fan ever since.

I would appeal to you to run for President, but I know a man of your integrity would never sell your soul by entering politics. So at the very least, keep your insights flowing!

Ghandi said, "Contradiction runs from truth to truth."

you did a great job here.

You have been singing a counter melody for years and sometimes it takes a good ear to hear it. I like your immediate presence and to be honest, you are the only (somewhat celebrity) internet friend whom I have not met who I know actually reads my emails and responds. I have enjoyed our interactions.....much love and blessings, Brooksie

It could be interesting for future iterations of the Do This series sive.rs/d1 to navigate people between the main and counter melodies in some fashion.

You are the Simon to my Garfunkel. Like magic. Thank you.

Brilliant!

So so so agree on the counter points - especially in not sharing goal publicy- that has happened. To me.

Fresh wind for my brain's sails.

Many thanks, Derek

Love it!!! I totally get what you have been, and are saying. I love all your posts. I believe you are a very blessed man.
And my saying is. "keep doing what you are doing. You are never too old to bless!!
Love, Cee.
ceejosephs.org

Good Stuff Derek, makes since to me...

I love your stuff! Always something to take away and use. Thank you.

Hi Derek,
One person needs at least another to build a friendship. Music needs more than one note to form a direction. You only filled the potentially missing part of a whole according to the natural law. I feel that we're all part of the counter-melodies of each other. Thanks for your inspiring post!

Go Derek Go... Best article EVER!!!

You're a genius, and I'll be sharing this piece with everyone.

Thank you sincerely for thinking and writing.

Stay contrapunctus!

Ray

PS. I've been studying & composing (and living!) musical counterpoint for a quarter of a century :)

Derek - thanks for this - too many people think there is only one right way - Roger

Good morning Derek! Your blogs are always thought provoking and I always appreciate that! A thought I have on this vast subject is that we are all unique and finding our way. If unique was a universal norm than we would all know immediately what to do. So many flowers in the fertile ground. For myself listening is where I best find my way, love being the ultimate fruit. Water has a flow if watched closely. On my journey, I find myself becoming happier and happier! Anyho! Thanks so much for all the deep thoughts Derek! Have a super day! Rachel ☺

Counterpoint central :)

http://RH12.org/Music

Beautifully orchestrated, Derek!

Wise to realize it's all about the balancing. Om.

Thanks for the counter-melody post. It's much better if everyone isn't taking the exact same crazy-pill all at the same time. I really appreciate the fact that you send me thoughtful e-mails and not "content". Your e-mails don't have that crack-like gotta read this feel - in a good way!

Thanks-

Paul

I love this. Part of what I do is career coaching. When discussing networking, most career coaches always give the advice "Never burn a bridge." But I always say, "Never burn a bridge, and never stay standing on a bridge someone else has lit a match to!"

I tend to question popular, of-the-moment, trendy paths to success, especially if the people behind them are saying "Do it like I did and you'll be successful too!" If a cookie-cutter approach to success always worked, then everyone would be successful without challenges.

No. I'm a big believer in knowing what makes you unique and using that uniqueness to put your own thumbprint on success! That's why I make sure I personalize my services to my clients' specific needs and goals. Success is unique, and so are you!

Keep singing in the concert of life. At least you're not a boring monotone. :o)

Good musings over my morning coffee. As musical counterpoint can be consonant or dissonant, I would think care must be given in how it is used, literally or metaphorically. Consonance is generally considered more pleasing to the ear, while dissonance can either really turn people off, or, make them sit up and take notice--such as hearing the Bulgarian Women's Choir for the first time, that raising the hair on the back on your neck kind of sound. Not to everyone's liking, or perhaps more importantly, not something everyone can understanding.

So Derek, do you work at making your counterpoint consonant as possible? Or do you throw in a little dissonance now and then?

I'm not turning down counterpoint or melody when it comes from a respected performer! Thanks man.

Derek

This is probably one of my FAVORITE posts you've written. And I'm sure my understanding of music theory plays a role in that :)

But no seriously, the first thing it made me imagine, is like when you're recording something in the studio and you start soloing tracks - and often times - one instrument ALONE can stand out and sound really weird, but when you unmute the other tracks it falls into place and makes sense.

What a great analogy to apply to advise about current culture! It all has to harmonize!

-Dan

Hey Derek, you've never sounded strange to me, but I might be a little strange.

I am currently using "Happy, Useful, Smart" and "Tarzan" as I give my career a make over. In other news, do you know artist Katie Paterson. I think you would like her work. http://katiepaterson.org/futurelibrary/ . I found her through the "Dying Star Letters".

One might take it one step further and say that in counterpoint there are no melodies or they are all melodies. Harmony and melody combine to make...music. The truth lies not just in one voice or message but in the harmony they create together.

Thank you for contributing your "melody" or "voice."

- Alex

Thank you for playing the counter point. It make my symphony complete

Lovely post, Derek. In my mind I see this as corresponding in part to your advice (directive) to have a strong opinion. You have a way of saying, "Yes, that may be true, but also..."

It also matches a line of thought which I think deserves exposition, that of the "coincidentia oppositorum" or coincidence of opposites. I believe I first heard the term in the context of alchemy, via Terence McKenna, and have found it rings true throughout many disciplines. The Tao, Yin and Yang, the vast amount of empty space in even the most dense of objects, etc. etc.

When "everything popular is wrong", it stands to reason that the voices who strongly provide alternative views are of great value to the individuals who are willing to listen, and in turn, society at large. Keep up the good work!

There is a technique used in teaching meditation where the teacher introduces a paradoxical puzzle to the student. The student try's to solve the puzzle with logic. Eventually, his internal dialogue is exausted because the question cannot be answered, leaving the student in a state of silence and bliss. They took the long way home, so to speak.
A friend and I found this out on our own while on a long drive to LA from MT. Shasta, CA. We logically thought of alternatives to a linear probleme we were trying to solve and after about 10 hours of debate, found ourselves at silence's door....we had exausted our minds ability to present alteritives. We found that the problem did not need to be solved after all. Our "journey" was in the process of trying to solve it. I love diversity of thought. Ultimately, it will not matter what path we took, as long as we are on one.

Hi Derek--the value you bring is often the counter-point, so this is no surprise. "Anything You Want", a book I really value, illustrated this in so many ways.

Thank you!

JS Bach would LOVE you Derek!!

I've been following you for years. Your first book changed my life. It wasn't a thunder storm or anything like that. It was the opposite. It was a subtle movement. Your message was so clean, honest, filled with direct experience in dealing with real life experiences I was inspired to dream again.
I love your point of view because it gives my brain room to exercise by going into the opposite direction of everyone else's tune. It's so refreshing, weird and liberating.
Thanks for continuing to do what you do. Most importantly to based it all on experience. It's so easy to write a book about what you think. It's a lot tougher to write about what you do in real life.

As always, I see, I see, said the blind man!
Thanks!

Really good. Talking from experience.keep it coming.

Love it
x

"To people who are too focused on passion and purpose, I preach my point that money can lead you towards your purpose, because it shows you where you’re valuable to others."

The "passion and purpose" message (dare I say ideology?) has always seemed to me to be devoid of any connection to reality. Derek, your suggestion seems to me a corrective to some really bad thinking. We live in a world with a particular kind of economic system that governs quite a lot of our lives whether we like it or not. In our case - you gotta make money. "Passion and purpose" can only be realized in a situation in which a lot of affluence and safety exists. The catch is "passion and purpose" will only be available for the small few if "passion and purpose" is an a priori requirement for doing work.

A whole lot of people have to do (and had to do) jobs that no one is passionate about or finds purpose in beyond making a buck in order to live. The wealth and opportunity citizens of western industrialized countries enjoy is do to quite a large number of people past and present that did work that most people nowadays wouldn't put into the "passion and purpose" category. The fact that your claim (and Cal Newport's thesis in So Good They Can't Ignore You) is seen a counter-point indicates something's amiss.
Yes! Well-put. Thanks Mike. — Derek

Yes - it's down to interpretation. Just get too modern jazz and you'll be ok!

That's a great photo man

I knew there had to be a method to your madness! I like this follow up post!

Very good insight, thank you Derek. Counterpoint can also stir up new ideas or different solutions to problems. There are some fantastic minimalism musicians who explore this idea and everyone should give them a listen sometime.

I guess I think like you do and give a lot of greedance to those statements. "Don't talk about your plans" is one I have followed successfully from early on. It works for me, but maybe not for someone else, or even me in a particular case. Well said, again!
Rory

This is very sensible. Looking at both sides of a proposition keeps you sharp and supports your flexibility.

Making sharp reversals of ingrained practices has created some of my best successes throughout life.

The Universe is paradoxical, irrational and does this while being bound by rigid laws!

Be nimble!

And this is why I read your work Derek. I like the melody! :)

At 57 years old, I'm so burned out on the popular point as you call it. I crave counter point and I find your voice really refreshing. For example, I admire Joseph Campbell and have since the 1990's when I was in my 30's. Over the decades, however, I've become quite put off by his "follow your bliss" mantra which once seemed so compelling to me. Campbell tells how he was of college age in the 1930's when the depression hit and he ended up living in an isolated cabin and studying various books BECAUSE HE DIDN'T HAVE A LOT OF OTHER CHOICES. From there his story is one of fortuitous timing that leads to unique opportunities that allowed him to become a popular authority on cross cultural mythology. It's easy to follow your bliss in retrospect.

Yes, you should "follow your bliss," but understand that you may or may not end up making a living while doing so. The good news is that, even if you end up poor, at least you were doing something you loved. And that is a necessary, though not a sufficient condition for being happy. If you also happen to make a lot of money, then you are one of the lucky few. For the majority of us, a pay check and health insurance are another necessary condition for being happy. If we're lucky, we can follow our bliss on our own time, after hours, as a hobby. No one will write a book about us but, if that bothers you, stop reading all those books about passion and purpose where the rich guy wins in the end. ;-)

I have always heard it is better to give than receive which I really didn't buy into until I started paying attention to the positive emotional rewards that are given back in excess to the initial act of kindness. I now try to look for opportunities to give small acts of kindness if I can and now realize the real worth, which may seem greedy, but it's the type of greed I can live with. Keep inspiring .

Excellent Derek. I always enjoy your posts.

As always, an awesome, inspiring, useful, happy, and unique point of view - many thanks for running an active and engaging email list.

Great post, thanks, Derek!

Very good metaphor for what I see myself do a lot: raise my voice for the opinion that is under-represented in a given situation.

Thanks Derek,I understand.I don't know who commented on your directives saying they are 'strange' they are not strange just sound contradictive of each other in parts.

Hey Derek,
I have garnered both education and entertainment from your writing.
Keep playing your tune 'cause there are a lot of people listening.
Thanks. ☺

An excuse to fail or a reason to win could be the exact same thing with a different focus.
Ex:
There are so very few [race/ethnicity/sex] people working in [any] job,...
Excuse: I should not even try because people will look down on me.
Reason: I should really try because people will look up to me.

Focus on love or focus on hate.
Life could be miserable. Life could be great.
Focus on hate or focus on love.
Stand on firm ground and look up above.

Young man, learn from an old man's experience.
Old man, learn from a young man's new perspective.

I think the counter melody is what makes me appreciate a piece the more. I find i like a piece of music, and then on listening and analysing it more a theme is discovered.
Perhaps not your genre, but I'm listening to "greatest show on earth" by Nightwish and you point resonates with me.
Do you think the counter melody could be 'life' while other authors describe the functional aspects of a successful life?

very well put

Beautifully put

Thanks Derek, if there's no counter melody, there will be no life, flat. :)

Derek, I am not the kind of person who stops for long enough to think about all the other thought options that exist. Thank you for pointing them out and keeping it simple. Ryan in Kentucky...today.

You might appreciate this post: Should You Reverse Any Advice You Hear?
http://slatestarcodex.com/2014/03/24/should-you-reverse-any-advice-you-hear/

It has numerous examples of these considerations, and notes that the kind of advice people are likely to come across is likely to be the *opposite* of the kind of thing they need to hear.

I like that! And I have known for a long time that if you tell your goal to anyone - it is less likely to happen. Every Russian knows that!

I've read you for years, Derek.

You're a good man, Holmes.

oh man, i thought that was the chorus...

counterpoint is exactly the term i use to
justify carrying on one activity that earns
me some money and keeps my feet on the ground,
while the other side, which i'm more interested
in, makes me feel unrealistic,and as if i'm
losing the plot, if i concentrate on that
exclusively.(i know this is the wrong approach,
but it's a psychological conceit, a self-con,
that allows a bit of balance, and some kind of
conitinuance,if not progress. it has worked for
a number of year, anyway)

After reading your article, i just realize that i'm also a counter-melody. That explains a lot why i am always annoyed by people who worships anything mainstream. Because just like you said, "the opposite of anything may also be true".

Yes, we should stand for something or we fall for anything ~Malcom X, so believe in your truth, but just remember, it's not the only truth. We're each viewing the world with glasses that let's in the truth according to our environmental upbringing.

Most of the times, the main melody is very strong, easy to hear and everyone speaks only about it. They say it's great and there's nothing else in that song. To find the counter melody, it requires certain effort. To sit down and listen carefully. And suddenly you start to hear it and the way how you feel and think about the song completely changes. Thankfully there are amazing counter melody singers like yourself. I'm far away from being great, but your songs help me on the way to get there.

Keep singing. Bravo Maestro.

Dig it.

G'day Derek,
I have nothing but praise for you Derek.
I am still playing my pedal piano. Got a mate in Milan like you. Roberto Prosseda.
He plays 2 Steinway grands at once.He is the KING!!!!
Google him up on Ebay. Total genius.
All things good,
Mark The Mad Muso Of OZ.

Great great great article! Thank you! Anywhere you can read "5 ways to.... " or "10 ways to... " There are receipes for "Vermicelli with 5 cheese sauce" but there is no receipe for life! You have to figure out how to cook your life and the opposite of the best receipe can work only for you!

Sounds a bit like a contrarian with a bit of paradoxical and oxymoronically practicalities. I like it. Thanks, and help keep me on my toes.

I love the openness.

You see the opposite of things as they exist in any situation and/or a shift in perspective that also exists (doesn't have the be a perfect opposite).

Interestingly, all things are actually coexisting in the world so this way of looking at life must be true.

If I'm not personally having an experience with something it doesn't mean that someone else CAN'T have that different experience. I like to make room for what's going on for me (presence) and then open my mind to alternatives.

One of the reasons I read your stuff and suggest it to ppl.

Thanks!
Alison

Thank you so much for this article.

You've said so perfectly what I've been thinking for years. I played baritone in high school and our parts were mostly counter melodies. I still listen for it when I hear music. So beautiful.

I shouldn't need to justify my motivation for how I relate and work with others, to complement what they're doing, but maybe I do.

Thank you.

Andrea

This reminds me of a saying (apparently by the Shoshone):
"I don't need to walk in your footsteps if I can see the footprints you left behind"
I never believe of one-true-way to achieve something, and your writings prove that.
Keep leaving your footprints with all the others, and keep walking your way.
I'll decide which one to follow. :)

Great explanation and another way of saying that there are many sides to every story. One reaches a consensus of what is best for that person when they assimilate the aggregate of several opinions.

I love this term, and it suits you perfectly! We need people to suggest counter-melodies. Opens us up to a whole new way of thinking.

Never heard the term counter melody. Awesome post!

A counter melody is supposed to add beauty to a the overall sound picture.

I'm not sure playing devil's advocate with the main melody would result in a more pleasing listening experience. But I certainly understand why offering a different set of thoughts ADDS to a more well-rounded discussion.

So the metaphor didn't work for me. The reason for it, is beyond criticism!

Makes perfect sense to me.....

I understood what you were talking about from the beginning, Derek. Don't know why people were confused about it.

Love this. It's a reminder of alternatives; there's always another angle of everything!

Following the counter-melody link to you tube, the 7th video is 20 80's song's with counter melodies. Fantastic way to understand the concept.

I enjoy reading your stuff more and more. Appreciate it greatly.

Aloha!
Ha! Yes! I almost linked directly to that video. Glad you found it. Great example. — Derek

The metaphor of the musical counterpoint is brilliant, Derek! Not only you have strong opinions but also you have humility to accept that anyone can use the complete opposite. I always try what works for me, sometimes I follow the lead melody, sometimes the counterpoint is what I need. And sometimes the counterpoint becomes my lead melody. Combination is the key. Thank you for highlighting it.

This is almost lyrical. In fact, I think there may be a song in here somewhere. I write it, I'll let you know. I have given up on making money when all I really wanted to do was make music, so all of my stuff is free now. Success is defined by one's own interpretation of their life direction.

APTGJHG

A great point, one that I do believe is true, for years now band members has said I play a counter melody with my music and that I think that way as well. Oh well some of the best lemonade is when you get handed lemons, so make some ice cold lemonade and use the peels for some soothing hot tea.


Rev. Tina Redden

PS. I do read all your emails so keep them coming.

I love this, as I love much of what you write and share about. But what I love the most is that gorgeous photo. I am so much more interested in setting aside what I think I know, and so much more interested in letting the truth be shown to me. Just this wanting creates a natural pull in my attention toward the truth, but also, some pretty magical shit starts going down. Thank you for being part of my Magical Shit, Derek! xo

Marvelous.

Thanks Derek
Your post reminds me that we should constantly 'question' our beliefs .
It's like using a theory of quantem physics. Our 'thoughts' are actually what hold together the very fabric of reality. So in order to break up unusual patterns it's sometimes helpful to have a completely 'counter' pattern.
Love ALL the value you give us.
Thank you..Peace out
Sphinx :)

I loved this post and I agree with you. It is common sense but I have learned that common sense is not that common.

Saludos!

Belem

Awesome photo

Now it all makes sense. Way to go Hindemith. I do get sick of so much advice coming from one vantage point. I like the way you mix it up!

Good day Derek,


Thanks for your thoughts, they always give me something to ponder and reflect on.

That's how I see it. And have been playin it for decades.

Well said Derek. I know in this world one thing. There is always going to be a counter melody played with opinion. Gray areas exist because of this. However there will always be the golden rules in life that will apply always. Balance will forever be the keepsake in our world. Thanks for the words of encouragement. Warm regards.

whaoo? where are your vocals? You just talk and draw pictures. I understand what you are saying but you are not connecting.
40 hours of my vocals, here — Derek

Two rabbis are sitting in a room arguing, both rabbis think they are right. Then the wife of one of the rabbis enters the room and says to her husband you are right, and then she turns to the other man and says you are right. Then the husband turns to his wife and says you are right.

Yes,I agree with what you. No profound explanation
just feel the same way. Working for nothing is unproductive and
it creates a subconscious pattern of its okay not
to get paid, no its wrong. If you work at something
hard creatively hopefully you will acknowledge your own
greatness which inspires others to work hard as well. In the end you need
to be rewarded either intrinsically or financily.
I find bills get paid better with money than they do with intrinsic
reward.I don't tell my goals unless it is necessary.
Remember, crabs in a bucket never get out because
all the other crabs pull them back down with the others.

I like this
"To people who are too focused on passion and purpose, I preach my point that money can lead you towards your purpose, because it shows you where you’re valuable to others."

Now that you explain yourself, I better understand why what you say usually makes so much sense to me. I am really a big fan of your take on life.

Thanks Derek for sharing so much with so many of us.

Fred

Yes, Derek! Well said. It's all about balance and underneath, it's all energy.

This is SUCH a great analogy, Derek! And I love that you do this. A perfect song that illustrates what you're talking about? Stars and Stripes Forever by John Philip Sousa. That song wouldn't be anywhere near as interesting if it didn't have that trombone part underneath near the end. The counter-melody. A rich melody in and of itself that adds dimension when paired with the main melody.
Keep it up. I love what you write. It keeps me on my toes. And I think you're right more often than others would like to admit.

Derek,
Thanks for everything you do. I am constantly troubled because I love where I work and what I do. However, everyone out there is yelling that I should be my own boss and follow my passion. I get tired of feeling guilty for being a great employee. Thanks for some counterpoint. It is really appreciated.
Chris

A curious, fascinating and interesting study to your own self, indeed. Does it go to say something to or for my karma I knew all of what you stated herein all along? Does it score me points? To who would it be I am in the same time scoring these bonuses? More while probably most to the point, how did they not know all along in the first place?

Then, to the other extreme [maybe other end would be more appropriate and not so reaching] is the idea is it really any of my business or concern they do not get it? Diving deeper in to the realm of thoughts and their meanings, does my aforementioned being aware make me a fan?

As I said, A curious, fascinating and interesting study to your own self. Glad I was included in this study!

GOD Bless,

Curtis Sulaski

That totally makes sense. I've been reading your articles off and on for a couple of months and in some ways I intuitively knew that was what you were doing but it's very helpful for you to explain. Dont you just love mom's they get right down to the crux of it and have no problem calling you out :)

BTW that swan photo blew me away

Hey Derek, This is the first post of yours that I've read. It rocks... I completely relate. A similar thought that has been buzzing around inside my head is that in a lot of ways I'm a traditional guy, but I love to buck tradition. The two can play together. And they do. Great post. See me on Twitter at 1jeffmeister

Nice. One of my favorite counter-melodies is Get Happy and Happy Days are Here Again. <3

Such good stuff and so true!

Thanks for the post.

HA! Literally yesterday I was driving in my car listening to music (Prince, so sad) and wondering how do you describe it when there's more than one melody/musical phrase being repeated over and over. Thank you, Derek! thank you, musicians!

enjoy:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQhLUXRaCCk

All voices matter. Jim Rohn said everything
Matters.
Your post got me thinking of what are
The other possible options for a
Person's career, place to live, new book to read.
Thanks for creating that idea Derek.

John D Hurbon

It's all about balance. And sometimes counterintuitiveness is the best kind of intuition.

This reminds me that night and day are two realities that co-exist on the same spectrum. The challenge is knowing to what extent their truths are applicable at any given time and exploiting that applicability for the greatest gain. Especially when the exception of the reality is the rule.

Derek - Well said. And so important to realize.

Consuming content and discussing ideas on popular sites (take youtube, for example) it appears to me that the comments fall into one of two categories: (1) AMAZING, coolest thing I've ever seen, wish i did that myself except i was too busy not doing it; and (2) IDIOTIC, you suck and everyone you know sucks, how could you possibly think that you . Of course, both of those approaches lead to ZERO meaningful takeaways in that neither provides a contrasting view for outside consideration.

Philosophers figured this out 2400 years ago. Borrowing from Wikipedia:
The dialectical method is a discourse between two or more people holding different points of view about a subject but wishing to establish the truth through reasoned arguments. The term was popularized by Plato's Socratic dialogues but the act itself has been central to European and Indian philosophy since ancient history.

Thanks again,
Stew

Kahlil Gibran said it this way: "Your reason and your passion are the rudder and the sails of your seafaring soul. If either your sails or your rudder be broken, you can but toss and drift, or else be held at a standstill in mid-seas."

Wow great new lines and learning for me. Thats so good. Love it. Number 4 good one Will and good answer back.

Ha some take my writings and opinions as strange too. Guess thats why I read your stuff so easily its down to earth. When I Finnish my book I know some will crucify me, some will love and learn something new(being positive). Like I have learnt from yourself and many others. Usually if I read a book I always get something from it to open my mind even if its just one sentence. Sounds minuscule I know but its a lot to me. Just got to put it out there like you do Derek. Not for everyone. If you can help one person in the world to see things better, to help them through their life's struggles and lessons you have achieved something. I feel I never talk the main melody thanks for pointing that out. For if one harmonizes perfectly your not creating something special just a reinforcement an extra strength, but nothing created nothing new.

Derek, I wrote a "Broadway" type musical (libretto,words,&music), that took me over ten years to write. During that time I received advice from many people. Most knew what they were talking about (luckily) and some just gave advice. The show got a mounting in Nashville after which I got a bit more advice from someone in the know, who I respect and who also was managing a theatre. Based upon that I tore the whole thing apart and re-wrote from page 4 on to the last xxx, which doesn't mean it's triple "x" rated it means "the end." Although a work is really never done till the curtain goes up. Recently I got a letter from one of the writers societies in NY and realized there wasn't anyone standing behind the green curtain. I wrote all of that just to merely say advise is advise if someone is attuned enough and can use the advice then it has served a good purpose, if not dismiss it. But the recipient has to make that determination. I believe it was that great philosopher Johnny Carson who said, "And When You Come To The Fork In The Road - Take It! All the best, and thanks for reading me. P.S. I'll be going to New York soon and the name of the musical is "All For A Song" Signed, Sandy

this article very much tremendous as well as it is very much exclusive and it tells lot of information it is very good as well as i got more information.

This is along the lines of humility, that we share the universe with others, and are all part of the Creative Being. I always like the way you look to keeping your perspective fresh. Thanks for doing your part BTW I think your post re Not giving a f____ is the same as saying "Stay detached" in life.

All the best
Love,
B.

I just found your site and I love it. I've come to believe all things ( people included) have a way of naturally seeking balance ( whether they intend to or not), so to me it seemed that you were seeking balance, with awareness and intention... needless to say, I found this particular post to be validating to that theme. :) Happy to have found your articles. where I originally come from, deep thinking is treated as a threat.

Bach Two and Three Part Inventions and the Preludes and Fugues have been endless sources of inspiration. His Brandenburg Concerti rock, too. Counter melodies or themes are found in life around us, in nature, art, literature, and in people. Makes living so rich and interesting.

I love this way of seeing the world.
Could it be an INTJ thing ? :)

Thanks for sharing !

HOLY CRAP. That's kinda how I view myself in relation to many peeps I work / interact with on a day-to-day basis...

I like to "stir up the pot" as they say ;-)

Cheers Derek!

Thanks for sharing your insights.

I love this article, I think what is lacking in the world today is a counterpoint. The bandwagon is full and then we the public are exposed to the same point of view often just a recital of a previous point made by the famous person.

So the cycle goes. I believe that the same happens in theses where scholars recite a famous academic earning credibility and reinforces whatever he thought would be popular(True) at the time.

Similar to Charlie Munger's theory that one shouldn't hold an opinion unless he cant argue the counter argument and prove his theory correct.

This is why I love you, like a brother. You are a genius with an extraordinary way of thinking.

Hello Derek, nice piece.
Hello everybody,

If you want to practise your attention span, I recommend reading, with due slowness, numbers 198, 199, the zen-ish 141, and 114.

My comment on the latter is that the BBC had a study, complete with computer simulation, where a big part of many people's success was luck. Not something we want to hear in our rational make-it-on-your own society, but it really makes sense the way the scientists present it.

Oh, and I appreciate the short little gem of #115

i know many people, but to reply to every email? no way. this man is special. He taught me to be humble and appreciate others.

Pierre Jacobs

Derek, your words have the power to find and give meaning to life. Keep inspiring.

I'm not sure if you're the yin to the yang or the yang to the yin, but either way wholeness is only achieved with both. I think about this article the time. I included a link to this article Needlestack, a page that simply lists links to what I consider to be the best pages on the entire internet.

Here it is if your curiosity calls you: ethanmaurice.com/needlestack

I just finished reading your book "Anything You Want" for my Entrepreneurial Arts class at The University of Mississippi. Amazing work! I am a senior about to graduate undergrad and you opened my eyes to a great way of thinking. I'm an aspiring entrepreneur and would love to interview you for my school project! If you could possibly get a zoom call for no longer than 30 minutes, please let me know. If not, I hope this message finds you well and hope all is well! Glad your book directed me to your website and plan to do a more research on you because I am studying business management. Thank you for the good read and glad my professor requires your book for his class!

To make own melody, the person needs to hear many other melodies and try to mimic one. Then, he or she will be able to creat his or her own melody.

It's cool finding out that I'm not an old dog trying to learn new tricks. I'm an old dog yeah, but I have alot of tricks in my bag, hey! I have a bag!. We all show up with a bag of tricks. I'm just discovering mine.

Something like that- Thanks Derek.

I have always done this! I call it the "off beat" and its my favorite, thats where I am!!!
I did not know this was a real thing, but I knew it made sense.
I also think of it as the close-the-hat foot pedal on the drum. It works.. off
-- somehow? I hear that.