“Vocal or instrumental sounds … combined in such a way as to produce beauty of form, harmony, and expression of emotion” (Music). Mohist philosopher Mo Tzu, who is associated with the “hundred schools,” and arose during the Warring States Period,“is best known for his philosophy of universal love” (Tzu 308). His ideals often conflicted with the philosophy of Confucianism, but one of his more controversial beliefs was in his writing “Against Music”. Mo Tzu opposed music, and claimed it unbeneficial to the common people. In today’s world, music is a large part of society and people's lives throughout the world. Mo Tzu defines music as, “not only singing and playing instruments, but also the dancing, banquets and other ... entertainments” (309). He uses “ a simple deductive syllogism [to begin his attacks against music]”. …show more content…
Essentially, he is stating, “ benevolent men should promote what is beneficial; music is not beneficial; therefore benevolent men should not promote music” (Tzu 309). He only saw music as a hindrance, and a distraction to people's lives because it only appeals to and gratifies one senses. “There are three things people worry about: when they are hungry they will have no food, when they are cold they will have no clothing, and when they are weary they will have no rest.
Now let us [hear some music] … [will this] provide food and clothing for the people?” (Tzu 310). According to Mo Tzu’s definition …show more content…
of music, only the most wealthy would be able to partake in this luxury. First, one would have to hire someone who can sing, and one who could play an instrument. Then they would have to provide the food for the banquet and other expensive entertainments. Since the wealthy are also the rulers they would “heavily lay taxes upon the common people before they [could] enjoy the sound of [musical instruments]” (Tzu 309). At the end of the day the common people would have wasted their time playing music and using up their produce and clothing for the banquet, and not have produced anything productive for their families. Mo Tzu employs several rhetorical strategies to reveal how the duties of different people would suffer and deteriorate.
In one example, he indicates that “if … the rulers and ministers [provided all of the entertainment,] and [spent] their time listening to [music, they would neglect their duty] of attending to government affairs. As a result the state would fall into disorder” (Tzu 312). This is not the case though, in another example, he is claiming that farmers will neglect their duties of “sowing seeds, planting trees, gathering large crops,” but as he mentions it is a luxury and very expensive to hire someone to at least sing or play music. He contradicts himself because the people at the top, who own all the wealth are the rulers, ministers, or nobles. I doubt that the farmers or women, who are residing on the poverty line, would be able to afford that luxury. He also makes his arguments sound as if people are listening to music all day
and In Mo Tzu’s time, music was vastly different to the present time. It is not like they had purposely neglecting their responsibilities. Who's to say that they cannot work and enjoy some music.iPods, or smartphones filled with hundreds of songs at their disposal. It is not as exclusive as back in the sixth century, it is very accessible now. I agree with the “Confucian orthodoxy [that] saw ritual music as a force for good; [and] helped organize thoughts and regulate behaviour” (Tzu 308). Especially for students, it is good for studying and concentrating. Music has many benefits such as relieving stress, stimulating the brain, giving you motivation to accomplish certain tasks. In today's society, music is everywhere such as, in the car on the radio, at a store, restaurant, and it seems hard to escape at times. Music is a way to express one's emotions, tell a story, and learn about other people's culture and lifestyles. “Across cultural contexts, music engagement has been associated with psychological well-being across [people’s] lifespan, and … happiness” (Boer). In conclusion, if people are happier doing their duties, they would benefit more as opposed to Mo Tzu’s philosophy, who thinks that people will flat out abandon all duties and responsibilities in order to listen to music. Mo Tzu’s argument is outdated since technology and time have improved, so have the common people. There are many benefits that come from listening to music. He over exaggerates his points to prove that music is bad, but doesn't provide any real solutions. In today’s world, drugs can be a replacement to the type of philosophy he is vocalizing. Someone addicted to heroin or crack would neglect his/her responsibilities for more drugs in contrast to listening to music. (803)
1. Music is a strictly local expression, rich in variety since each culture expresses affective differences through art, 2. Music is a poetic process--complex, vague, and irrational--based upon borrowed traditional musical materials (melodies, rhythms, forms, etc.), 3. Music is for a religious, elitist-class performer who can understand and appreciate its mysterious nature and power, 4. Music is played softly in intimate gatherings, 5. Music making is the activity of Everyman, exacting the talents of variously trained amateurs who, with industry and practice, decorate their recreation and leisure in moments of social intercourse.
Oxford’s dictionary defines music: as vocal or instrumental sounds or both, combined in such a way as to produce beauty of form, harmony, and expression of emotion. Music, as a form of expression and communication, comes in many forms and styles: classical, folk, country, rock, and electronic
When writing a paper the process can vary from a few hours to several days. English teachers have several different ways they teach their students how to write as well as the method to use. Knowing the perfect way to prepare to write for a paper takes several years to master. Once you know what method works best for you, writing becomes less stressful. Preparing for the rhetorical analysis paper, I used all the best methods to have a smooth transaction from the begging till the end.
If one were to look back into the world’s history, one would find that an important and consistent element is the world of music. Music has presented itself in various forms throughout its spread and through our identification of its magical realm, people have been fortunate enough to come across a means of relation. Whether it is blues and reggae or rap and pop rock, there is music out there for everyone. Music can serve as a stabilizer for some, a relaxant to others, and to many a form of inspiration.
many cultures view as an important part in their way of life. Music ranges from strictly
What would the world be like without music? The world would be a very silent place. Music is in many ways the material of our lives and the meaning of society. It is a reminder of how things were in the old days, a suggestion of how things are, and a view of where society is leading to. Music is the direct reflection of the picture of art, music, and literature. Music can be a way to deliver messages, being poetic, a fine art, or it can just be for entertainment. No matter what it is used for, music is the perfect art there is and there are various types of music; such as classical and romantic. This paper will discuss how classical music and romantic music had a turning point in humanity’s social or cultural development, and how they have
Western Music has developed in many ways since the middle ages through its form, sound, and message. Throughout these different periods in western music one thing has remained constant, the true essence of music, a way to communicate with someone on a much more divine level than be by rudimentary conversation. Though Ludwig Van Beethoven and Paul McCartney may seem completely opposite they have one in common through their music they changed the world’s perception of its self
Music is an art that combines vocal and instrumental sounds to produce something that gives different emotions to the listeners. Music can make a person sad, happy and romantic at the same time. Playing an instrument is also a music, not only singing a song. I had this misunderstanding that music has the song and the musical instrument included in it. But I realized that musical instruments have more importance and beauty than a song including in it.
"Music is a common experience and a large part of societies. In fact, anthropologists note that all human communities at all times and in all places, have engaged in musical behaviours. Music as a mode of human activity is a cultural phenomenon constituting a fundamental social entity as humans create music and create their relationship to music. As cultural phenomeno...
Music is one of the most fantastical forms of entertainment. Its history stretches all the way from the primitive polyrhythmic drums in Africa to our modern day pop music we listen to on our phones. It has the ability to amaze us, to capture our attention and leave us in awe. It soothes the hearts of billions, and it is so deeply rooted in my life that it has touched my heart as well. Everyday I walk to the beat of the song stuck in my head and hum along to the melody. For me, to listen to music be lifted into the air by the hands of your imagination and float around for a while. You forget about your worries, your troubles and find peace within the sound. Every chapter in my life is attached with a song. Every time I listen to a certain song, thoughts of my past come flooding back
Music plays a huge role in the structure of a society. It can have both negative and positive influence on cultures and communities. First, musical sounds and instruments can be a dividing factor between the people within the same culture. These opposing social and economic identities within these cultures can lead unnecessary animosity between the members. However, music can also be one of the forces that unite members of a culture and provide a sense pride for everyone. This makes it easier for people to display their identification to that culture.
The History of Chinese Music The history and development of Chinese music through different time periods from when it began.
There are many ways in which music affects and surrounds us. It is our creative outlet, our passion, our distraction, our night out or simply our moment of relaxation. Throughout the centuries, music has played a vital role in our lives. We as a society immerse ourselves in music day to day. From grandiose social gatherings and dances in the Middle Ages, to live concerts and monumental performances to date. Music is in films to elicit emotion and in television commercials to make us consumers of the newest technology. More importantly, it is in our preferred listening device because we choose the particular songs and artists we like and want to hear. The Marriam-Webster dictionary defines music as “sounds that are sung by voices or played on musical instruments; the art or skill of creating or performing music.” But why do we choose attend the Bruce Springsteen concert at Wrigley Field and not the Chicago Symphony Orchestra? What makes us enjoy one type of music or artist and not another? Whether you make music or simply enjoy it by listening to it, we are all connected to music in a variety of ways.
The influence that music has throughout the world is immeasurable. Music evokes many feelings, surfaces old memories, and creates new ones all while satisfying a sense of human emotion. With the ability to help identify a culture, as well as educate countries about other cultures, music also provides for a sense of knowledge. Music can be a tool for many things: relaxation, stimulation and communication. But at the same time it can also be a tool for resistance: against parents, against police against power. Within the reign of imported culture, cross cultivation and the creation of the so-called global village lies the need to expand horizons to engulf more than just what you see everyday. It is important to note that the role of music in today’s world is a key tool in the process of globalization. However, this does not necessarily provide us with any reasons that would make us believe that music has a homogenizing affect on the world.
...s a set of rules which musicians must follow. Also just like any official language, music can be used to communicate emotions. In order for somebody to understand music they must have some sort of knowledge about rules in order to appreciate musical experiences. Every culture is different, every language is different and every music is different, but to fully appreciate the music; listeners must be musically literate. In our first week of class, “Khoomi” was our first musical example and all the students were confused about this type of music. But now with my little knowledge about music and how diverse it is, I learned to appreciate it more.