Frippisms 7

If you wish to change the world, better first to know the world you wish to change. 

Frippisms 6

The way we describe our world shows how we think of our world. 
How we think of our world governs how we interpret our world. 
How we interpret our world directs how we participate in the world. 
How we participate in the world shapes the world. 

Frippisms 5

If we are divorced from the consequences of our actions, our actions are likely to be inappropriate. 
Perhaps dangerous. 
Perhaps disastrous. 

Frippisms 4

Want is of the earth; 
Wish is from the stars. 

Frippisms 3

Discipline is a vehicle for joy. 

Frippisms 2

Heaven and earth share the same space. 

Frippisms 1

Over the years, I have developed a deep admiration for Robert Fripp. Casual listeners may know him as the force behind King Crimson, and dedicated musicians may know him for the founding of Guitar Craft. 

I admit that his recordings sounded like noise to me at first, and his words once seemed a bit too pretentious for my taste. My estimation slowly changed as I slowly changed. 

I have only seen King Crimson in concert twice, but each time I was amazed by the mastermind sitting on a stool behind the rest of the band, in almost complete darkness. He didn't like a rowdy audience, and he wouldn't tolerate flash photography. He was centered on the music, with absolutely no interest in putting on an act. 

I found myself collecting the short sayings, or "Frippisms",  he would share from his journals, which stuck with me almost as much as passages from Epictetus or Marcus Aurelius. He was talking about the art of music, and yet the insights also applied to all aspects of life. 

I don't know if this is a complete list, or even if there is such a thing, but here are the ones I managed to assemble. As always, your mileage may vary. 

• • • • •  

The quality of a person is primarily revealed by their conduct in front of: 
sex; 
money; 
the expression of negativity; 
the use of time; 
the exercise of authority over others.