How do the characteristics of jazz, such as its 'uncertainty' and 'creation in the moment,' inspire your life philosophy?

Ah, this question really speaks to me. Jazz, to me, isn't just music; it's more like an attitude towards life and a methodology. If I had to describe the inspiration jazz gives me in just two words, they would be “Embrace” and “Play”.

Let me share my thoughts below, hoping to offer you a fresh perspective.

## 1. Embrace “Uncertainty”: Life Isn’t Classical Music—It’s Jazz

For many of us, the education we received growing up was like learning to play a piece of classical music.

There’s a perfect, note-for-note score (life plan).
The goal is to play it flawlessly (ace exams, get into good schools, land a great job, start a family).
Any “wrong note” (mistake, deviation from the path) triggers anxiety and frustration.

But the reality is, life is full of surprises and variables—it doesn’t come with a pre-written score. It’s much more like a jazz jam session.

You and a few musicians take the stage with only a rough theme and chord progression (your life's general direction and values). What happens next? Nobody knows for sure. The keyboardist might throw in an unexpected chord, the drummer might shift the rhythm, the saxophonist might blow a melancholic melody.

If you’re still clinging tightly to your “perfect score” in your mind, you’ll feel like everyone is “messing things up.” You’ll panic and feel lost.

But what does a jazz musician do? They listen—and then respond.

Did the keyboardist change chords? Cool, I’ll adapt by responding with a new scale.
Did the drummer shift the rhythm? Awesome, I’ll adjust my phrasing to “play” with your new groove.
Is the sax sounding melancholic? Alright, I’ll walk my bass line deeper to match that vibe.

Here’s the inspiration for me:

Instead of fighting life's uncertainties, see them as an “improvisational invitation” from your fellow players. Your plan being disrupted might not be an “accident,” but an “opportunity” that makes life more interesting. Learn to listen to the changes happening now, and respond creatively using the skills you already have (like a musician relying on scales and music theory). That’s way cooler than stubbornly clinging to an outdated plan.

## 2. “Creating in the Now”: Don’t Dwell on Wrong Notes, Don’t Fear the Next Solo

Watch a top-tier jazz musician soloing on stage—they are completely immersed.

They aren’t thinking:

“Damn, I flubbed that last note; it’s embarrassing.” (dwelling on past regret)
“Can I nail that challenging phrase coming up later?” (anxious about the unknown future)

No, all their attention is on “this very moment.” They feel the support from the band, listen to their inner voice, and let their thoughts and emotions flow through their fingers and instrument into music.

The renowned jazz master Miles Davis famously said: “There are no wrong notes.” Meaning, a single note isn’t inherently right or wrong; what matters is what note you play next. A note that sounds “wrong” can become a brilliant, tension-building “lead-in” if you skillfully resolve it with what follows.

Here’s the inspiration for me:

Living in the present is the best way to deal with all uncertainty.

Let go of fixating on “mistakes”: Saying the wrong thing or making a bad decision in life is like playing a wrong note. Don’t endlessly chew on it. Think instead about how to “play the next note”—how your subsequent actions can fix, explain, or make that “mistake” an interesting little twist in your story.

Detach from anxiety: Over-planning and worrying about the future robs you of the ability to experience the present. Like a musician only focused on showing off technique, the music loses its soul. Pull your attention back to what you are doing right now. Engage fully, feel, and create. You’ll find many problems resolve themselves naturally through present-moment action. The joy of life lies in these creatively charged “nows.”

## Summing up my life philosophy from Jazz:

Jazz taught me that life’s goal isn’t to perfectly “execute” a plan, but to cultivate an “improvisational ability”.

Foundation (Fundamentals): You need your own principles, knowledge, and skills. Just like a jazz musician must know music theory and be able to play.
Mindset (Spirit of Improvisation): Stay open, embrace change, allow “accidents” and “imperfections” to happen.
Action (Live in the Now): Focus on the present, listen intently to the world around you (people and events), and respond creatively using your abilities.
Collaboration (Teamwork): You’re not alone on stage. Learn to interact with those around you, inspire each other, and create more beautiful “music” together.

So, when life throws you a “wrong note,” don’t panic. Take a deep breath, smile, and think: “OK, let’s play with it.” Then, play your next note.

That’s the coolest thing jazz ever taught me.