Chapter 1: The Unlikely Beginnings of a Masterpiece

Have you ever experienced the frustration of having your ideas ignored or ridiculed? Imagine if those moments of dismissal almost caused the world to miss out on a true masterpiece.

DU-DU-DU-DUUHHHHHH!

Let’s take a look back at a significant chapter in cultural history, featuring two iconic franchises: Star Wars and Batman. These narratives have captivated audiences worldwide, generating billions in revenue. Yet, intertwined with their success is a hidden gem: Beethoven's 5th Symphony.

This renowned piece of music had a challenging debut. Picture yourself attending a four-hour concert in a frigid venue, where the performers were struggling with notes—many had never even seen the sheet music before the curtain rose.

That was Beethoven's initial performance, and it was a disaster. Many attendees left the hall, unimpressed and cold.

But the 5th Symphony’s journey didn’t end there...

Despite being deaf and undeterred, Beethoven persevered with this composition. It wasn’t the lengthy performance that resonated with the world; it was those first four notes. Those very notes transformed his “failure” into a masterpiece, so impactful that we even sent it into space, hoping extraterrestrial beings might appreciate the best of humanity.

Now, think about this: you create something and it gets labeled as “rubbish.” Ouch, right? We’ve all felt that sting. But how often do we consider, “What if it becomes a hit someday?”

Beethoven lived long before the likes of Darth Vader or Batman, yet they both recognize his genius. His music transcends time and space because he didn’t stop at the initial rejection. He continued to perform, reaching out to new audiences in warmer settings.

And therein lies the enchantment…

Sometimes, our first attempt isn't what leads to greatness.

True brilliance often emerges when we persist, motivated not by immediate applause but by an internal drive that says, “Keep going.”

After all, who knows? In a couple of centuries, perhaps on a distant planet, an alien life form might find itself humming along to your creation—be it a song, a story, or a piece of art. Beethoven teaches us that greatness is reserved for those who continue onward, even after initial failures.

As a master of a different craft once said, “Do, or do not. There is no try.”

So…just do it. Embrace the fear, accept the imperfections—just get it done. By doing so, you’ll gain the joy and confidence of having accomplished something, preparing you for the next endeavor.

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Check these out and see if I’m exaggerating:

Listen to the first 5 seconds of the Imperial March at 0.25 speed (trust me):

Now, listen to the initial 10 seconds of the 5th Symphony here:

And finally, enjoy 15 seconds of this theme from The Batman:

Chapter 2: The Power of Perseverance