On Similar Wavelengths


[The following was copied and pasted from GPT-4 after I fed it a transcript of a 3 minute ramble I had recorded while walking just now and asked it to turn it into a 700 word blog in the style of Morgan Housel]


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It's been a recurring observation on Twitter, one that captures my attention - a shared consensus that those drawn to electronic music are a unique breed. I've found myself fascinated by this notion, circling around it, and teasing out the threads that form this intriguing tapestry of personality and music.

Electronic music, by its nature, can be challenging to the uninitiated. It thrums with repetitive beats and vocals, looping over in a rhythmic hypnotism that often requires patience and an appreciation of subtlety to fully savor. Songs can take their sweet time, unfurling over several minutes, before the compelling crescendo hooks you.

What sets apart electronic music lovers is their willingness to embrace the journey. This musical genre is not about instant gratification or a quick hit of a catchy hook. It's about the slow build-up, the ebb and flow of music that ultimately pulls you in. It's a long-term commitment, a relationship with a song that only deepens with each listening.

These enthusiasts have a propensity to appreciate layers - both in music and life. An electronic music track is much like an intricate mosaic, every beat and rhythm representing a unique piece. Together, they weave an auditory landscape rich in depth and texture. The fans of this genre are adept at identifying these layers, delighting in their complexity, and savoring the way they blend seamlessly to create a cohesive whole. This appreciation extends beyond music and seeps into their daily lives, enabling them to perceive nuances and complexities where others see only the surface.

The allure of electronic music, I believe, has much to do with its rhythm – a resonant frequency that seems to connect with its audience on a primal level. Every beat, every note strikes a chord, producing a euphoric roller-coaster of emotions that resonates with its listeners. It's about finding the right 'vibe,' that unique blend of beats per minute and the melody that seems to strike a chord within the listener's soul.

Interestingly, there seems to be a high tolerance for dissonance among electronic music lovers. They are prepared to weather the occasional rough patch in a song, the 'bad parts,' with stoicism, almost as if the discord adds to the overall experience. It is as though they are aware that one needs to wade through the unremarkable to truly appreciate the extraordinary - a mindset that suggests a long-term vision and an acceptance of life's inevitable ups and downs.

It makes me think of the famed 'marshmallow test,' a psychological experiment gauging gratification delay. Given the choice between an immediate reward or a greater reward after a delay, those who prefer electronic music, I suspect, would be more inclined to hold out for the bigger prize. Their music preference, with its emphasis on the build-up and journey, suggests a temperament more inclined towards patience and a focus on long-term gratification.

In conclusion, a penchant for electronic music might indicate more than just a musical preference. It may be a reflection of a certain mindset, an inclination towards seeing the bigger picture, appreciating life's intricate layers, and a propensity for delayed gratification. They're the ones who relish the journey as much as, if not more than, the destination.

Could a love for electronic music denote a particular kind of thinker? Could it serve as a telltale marker of a long-term visionary who savors life's complexities? While we cannot generalize, the connection is indeed fascinating, offering a unique perspective on how music preferences can mirror life philosophies. So, the next time the pulsating beats of an electronic track fill the room, take a moment to appreciate the journey it represents, the layers it unveils, and the resilience it inspires.