Cornel West teaches what it means to be human through music

Wednesday night, Cornel West addressed the FSU students and members of the Tallahassee community in the Ruby Diamond Auditorium. He began his lecture, a mesh of Socratic questioning and prophetic wisdom, by emphasizing the importance of deep knowledge and a critical examination of ourselves.

As West reflected on the idea of what it means to be human, he cited numerous references to Classical, Blues, and Soul artists stating that, “Art forces us to wrestle with images.” West’s choice of music is reflective of his generation and speaks to us of an age of empowerment, mobilization and motivation.

These are some of the highlights of West’s lecture accompanied by a song or artist that he referenced in his speech.

1. “Deep education is in some ways terrifying.”

West began his lecture reflecting importance of stimulating Paideia, or the ancient Greek notion of deep education. He notes that we have to be vulnerable enough to examine ourselves critically, and that we might not always like what we find. String Quartet in F Major, Op. 135, Beethoven’s last complete Opus, lends a piercingly eerie quality well-suited for self-reflection.

2. “The condition of truth is to allow suffering to speak.”

The structure of West’s lecture followed a chronology of a history of human injustice in the U.S. As we acknowledge wrongdoing in the past, we are awakened to the fact that everyone is suffering in some way or another. With that, here’s BB King’s “How Blue Can You Get?” to soothe the soul.

3. “What does it mean to be human?”

West promotes the pursuit of spiritual fortitude and determination. We should live to critique the world around us through the lens of deep empathy, compassion, and critical social dialogue. He referenced John Coltrane’s “Love Supreme.”

4. “What does it mean to find your voice?”

West prompts us to stand up against conformity and to challenges those around us to do the right thing. Need a little encouragement? Look no further than Sly and the Family Stone’s “Stand!”

5. “Wander in the dark and emerge in betterment.”

Carole King’s feel good vibes, especially in “I Feel the Earth Move,” are inescapable. Like West, they remind us that the best is yet to come.

6. “Justice is what love looks like in public.”

And the last of West’s words of wisdom? Have the courage to love. There’s little better representation than Aretha Franklin’s “Respect.”