On Passion.

Often when we musicians describe our interest in music or an instrument we say "it is my passion", but this is taken lightly and I feel that the meat of the meaning is lost. The Merrian-Webster online dictionary defines passion as:

"Main Entry: pas•sion Pronunciation: \ˈpa-shən\ Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin passion-, passio suffering, being acted upon, from Latin pati to suffer — more at patient Date: 13th century 1often capitalized a: the sufferings of Christ between the night of the Last Supper and his death b: an oratorio based on a gospel narrative of the Passion 2obsolete : suffering 3: the state or capacity of being acted on by external agents or forces 4 a (1): emotion (2)plural : the emotions as distinguished from reason b: intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction c: an outbreak of anger 5 a: ardent affection : love b: a strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object, or concept c: sexual desire d: an object of desire or deep interest — pas•sion•less \-ləs\ adjective synonyms passion , fervor , ardor , enthusiasm , zeal mean intense emotion compelling action. passion applies to an emotion that is deeply stirring or ungovernable . fervor implies a warm and steady emotion . ardor suggests warm and excited feeling likely to be fitful or short-lived . enthusiasm applies to lively or eager interest in or admiration for a proposal, cause, or activity . zeal implies energetic and unflagging pursuit of an aim or devotion to a cause . synonyms see in addition feeling"

There is a unique flavor of pride which arises whenever a human views an inanimate object as an extension of himself. It seems to me that, men seem to be more inclined to perform this action. I think maybe it is because women are often much more social beings than men. They are gifted in their ability to express thought and emotion to others. Women can relate without the need for this physical real life metaphor, which occurs when an object takes over as the image of a man's self.

Then again this cannot simply be reason since; I often wonder what it is that makes a group of guys gleefully admire a car, motorcycle, or a guitar. Not all of them have resorted to identify their selves with the same object. In my case, it is not so much the actual car but the emotional footnotes which come attached with it. These are all the connotations, memories, wants, wishes, and everything else that are brought up by the contemplation of the item. When these are positive then we take great pride in our possessions. They become much more valuable to us than the raw metals, wood, and other materials which make up the object of our pride.

There is a sort of sadistic love which occurs along with this pride. We slave over a car part cleaning it, trimming any excess, till we are satisfied. In the process we bleed, we sweat, and are drained of all energy. All of this taking place in a moldy, stagnant, humid, inhospitable garage. I feel like all of the hardships add spice to the flavor of this pride. Men, relish in the glory of the accomplishment. But even more when we have battle scars to show for our progress.

This pride, this narcissistic, sadistic, manly pride is something i have come to know as a musician. Something i have come to share with others as a man. That is why any man who has a hobby which causes some sort of conflict and represents him in some way identifies with all men who also fit that description, no matter if they share a different passion.