The Top Half Percent
When I was younger I had a moderately successful career as a musician. I came from a musical family who insisted that I learn to play and sing. So, from the time I was eight years old, part of each day consisted of practicing an instrument (it became clear early on that I wouldn't be much of a singer). In high school I was all nerd, even though I was in the school's jazz band and was studying music theory. But as I began to look around I noticed that the nerds were not getting the girls, so I joined a blues band that some friends had put together. By the time I was in my mid twenties I had come to realize that success, for musicians, was largely limited to the most successful half percent. Which is being hugely optimistic. The artists who are bitching about piracy these days are among these happy few. Seldom do you hear about Joe the Harmonica Player lambasting his fans (both of them) for stealing his recordings, which don't exist. Now, the internet is following this trend, where the successes seem to be limited to the ones who came first and got luckiest, not necessarily the ones who are best. If you choose to be a musician, or an entrepreneur, you should expect to fail, from a business perspective. On the other hand, you can't beat the experiences you'll have. And you'll certainly be popular with the girls.

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