“Without music, life would be a mistake” – Friedrich Nietzsche
Auf Deutsch: Ohne Musik wäre das Leben ein Irrtum.

This famous quote by Friedrich Nietzsche, found in his 1889 book Twilight of the Idols, highlights his belief that music is essential to a meaningful existence.

Music directly affects our mood. It accompanies us when we’re sad, makes us cheerful when we’re happy, increases our motivation, and calms us down.

Whether it’s Leon Russell (literally any song) or Kpop Demon Hunters, music appeals directly to emotions. It can bring people together and overcome cultural, racial, and language barriers.

This is true for animals, too. Have you seen the video of the guy who plays the piano for elephants? British concert pianist Paul Barton frequently plays classical music on an acoustic piano for rescued, blind, and elderly elephants at the Elephants World sanctuary in Thailand. His performances aim to bring comfort, emotional healing, and a calming presence to traumatized animals through soothing vibrations and melodies.

Music plays a critical role in the construction of individual and social identity. It accompanies important memories in our personal memory.

Scientific research shows that music reduces stress, strengthens memory, enhances neurological connections, and can be used for therapeutic purposes. Music therapy for brain injury uses neuroscience to retrain the brain. By targeting cognitive, sensory, and motor functions through active music-making or rhythmic listening, it stimulates neuroplasticity to help survivors regain lost speech, movement, and emotional control.

Have you heard this? “Music hath charms to soothe a savage breast” was written by English playwright William Congreve in his 1697 play The Mourning Bride.

I recall one time in the car when the Angel Kids were being obnoxious in the back seat. Because they were really getting on my nerves, I started to play Beethoven’s Fur Elise and within literal SECONDS, they both calmed down for the remainder of the drive. If it can soothe those feral creatures, I’m a believer.

I’m sure you know that I’m listening to Leon Russell right now…what are YOU listening to?