Self-Taught Savants? Better Late Than Never!

Unflattering Realization

After we transition into our 30s, the expectations of maturity & sophistication settle in. It’s a time when the importance of being knowledgeable and cultured becomes undeniable. This trajectory toward cultural fluency isn't about memorizing academics or flexing your brain at parties; it's about genuinely understanding the nuances of life that elevate your experiences and interactions. We're about to dip into what it means to be cultured, emphasizing knowledge, appreciation for the arts—especially classical music—and graceful social conduct so, be advised, ladies: own up to not knowing and learn. I cannot stress this enough; you have to know your shit. Period.
After a certain age, preferably around your 30s, certain things come to be expected. Being well rounded and cultured are on the top of that list. Aside from looking & smelling good and speaking well, you gotta know your shit. And I'm not talking about having long, academic diatribe type answers at the ready; I mean knowing enough to silence some asshole that's trying to pick your brain.

The Importance of Knowledge

First and foremost, knowledge is the bedrock of being cultured. It’s not only about having an arsenal of trivia; instead, it’s about the ability to hold intelligent conversations and engage meaningfully with others. Mind you: you're going to get called out, trust me it'll happen undoubtedly but not maliciously. You see, when a cultured person meets the acquaintance of a like-minded individual, they're going to want to keep the convo rolling because there's almost no greater joy than the art of interactive intellects collaborating. It’s a welcomed pastime.

Also, as we age, our ability to navigate discussions on various subjects—from literature to current events—can mark the difference between superficial interactions and deeper connections. One way to cultivate this knowledge is by immersing yourself in diverse forms of media. Reading widely is essential—be it books, articles, or essays. Explore different genres from classic literature to contemporary thought pieces. Podcasts and documentaries can also provide rich content that enhances your understanding of the world. By expanding your horizons, you equip yourself to approach conversations with confidence and insight, ready to engage and perhaps even silence those who attempt to challenge your perspectives! Gimme two snaps and a hair flip!

The Art of Conversation

Once you’ve built a solid foundation of knowledge, the next step is mastering the art of conversation which you needn't worry yourself over as it will all blend together naturally. Being cultured means knowing how to communicate effectively and gracefully. This involves not just speaking well but also listening intently, showing genuine interest in others’ opinions. Again, it'll be a cinch the only difference is the context. In doing this, bear in mind that I never lost who I was, and you won't either. You will never catch me sounding like a stuffy, pretentious robotic brat. I was born and raised in Brooklyn for crying out loud. But, (always a 'but') I can happily and proudly say that I am genuinely pleased with how I turned out. Considering how things could've been. iykyk
Before I move on, let me just touch base with you about understanding non-verbal cues too. This social dynamic can level up your conversational abilities. As one dines for instance, table manners prohibit speaking while masticating so, maintain dining etiquette, eye contact, and your facial expressions will speak for you. You catch my drift.

Appreciating Classical Music

No discussion about culture is complete without acknowledging the significance of music, particularly classical music, which stands as the zenith of artistic sophistication. Often, classical compositions are not just background noise but the very essence of sentimental and intellectual stimulation. Whether you're at a restaurant or attending a formal event, classical music sets a refined ambiance that modern pop often fails to achieve.

The richness of classical music lies in its complexity—from the intricate tones of a Bach fugue to the dramatic crescendos of a Tchaikovsky symphony. Familiarizing yourself with various classical genres can deepen your appreciation for these masterpieces. See a live orchestra, listen to renowned compositions, and learn about the composers' lives and influences. Ohhhhh the tea! This voluntary study not only enriches your knowledge but allows you to converse effortlessly about music, making you a welcomed addition to any gathering.

Grace and Elegance

Finally, being cultured encompasses more than just knowledge of art and music; it extends to how you carry yourself in social settings. Your appearance, behavior, and decorum play crucial roles in shaping perceptions. This doesn’t mean adhering to strict fashion rules but rather presenting yourself in a way that reflects respect for yourself and those around you.

Looking and smelling good is just the start. Invest in quality clothing that fits well and makes you feel confident. Personal grooming is equally important; it signifies your attention to detail and self-respect. Moreover, mastering basic etiquette—how to navigate formal dinners, introductions, and polite discourse—can elevate your presence in any situation.

Contrary to certain trends where entertainment appears to focus solely on the sensationalism of twerking, take pride in the elegance of dance and social interaction (we will cover that in another blog) While twerking has its place in low-brow settings, remember that coordinated, purposeful movement fosters connection and enjoyment. Dancing with elegance is not just about impressing others; it's sharing a beautiful experience that requires participation, good timing and effort.

Conclusion: Love The Journey!

Becoming a cultured individual is going to be an ongoing journey, a funny one, depending on your outlook. It's a commitment to lifelong learning, understanding, and refinement that impacts you and those around you.

In a society saturated with simple, entertainment and questionable fads, climbing the levels of knowledge should be a breeze. The nuances of classical music, and the beauty of graceful living will set you apart. So, take the plunge into this enriching world of harmonious instrumentals and thought-provoking works of art. Engage with and embody elegance! You’ll find that being cultured is not just an expectation; it becomes an integral part of who you are. Let’s strive to elevate ourselves beyond mediocrity and embrace the sophisticated envelope of culture that awaits us.

Please be sure to enjoy all that is shared on these topics below. Here at Boujee Burke, we are more than happy to oblige.

Ode To Joy - Beethoven

The Four Seasons: Winter - Vivaldi

Eine Kleine Nachtmusik - Mozart

Piano Sonata - Mozart

The Four Seasons - Vivaldi

Zarathustra - Strauss

Sonata No. 59 in E-Flat Major - Haydn

Carmen Overture - Bizet

Storm - Vivaldi

Danse Macabre -Camille Saint-Saëns

Barber of Seville Overture - Rossini

Beethoven - Symphony No. 5

Franz Liszt Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2

Marriage of Figaro - Rossini

Johann Strauss - Vienna Waltz

I have one person to thank for my knowledge of classical pieces. So with that said, thanks, Ma! (& yes, I grow up watching Bugs Bunny so what about it?!) Anyone who knows me also knows how my mom used to push that shit lol Enjoy, ladies!

Picasso's Guernica, 1937. A required taste, imo. Side note: NOT a fan of Picasso's "art". Looks like stuff my 7 year old would draw.

American Gothic by Grant Wood - 1932. It could've been named something else something creepier, but whatever. All jokes aside, that was a nice little house they had.

The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli, circa 1880s

World
Famous
Artworks

Creation of Adam - Michaelangelo, 1508/12 Ooook, so that's supposedly God giving life to an unenthusiastic Adam. Gotcha.

Girl with a Pearl Earring - Johannes Vermeer, 1665. Alrighty then.

Whistlers Mother (aka "Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1") by James McNeill Whistler, 1871. Bland AF, but it's considered art so yea. No.

Lady Godiva by John Collier, 1897. A shameful depiction of her "protesting her husband" but, idk something doesn't add up.

"Mona Lisa" by Leonardo DaVinci, 1517. She has garnered more fame than the Last Supper for reasons unbeknownst to me. I mean, ok, I can see the "intrigue" but to be the most famous painting in the world, though?! idk, it's giving. . .meh.

Van Gogh's Starry Night - 1889. I didn't think much of this one at first, but then as I learned more about the artist, this being the sight from his room window while institutionalized in an asylum.

Dead Souls by Peter Nicolai Arbo - 1866... Not to be confused with 1872's Wild Hunt of Odin, pictured below. I find that I gravitate to The Hunt. It looks like a majestic culling of the beautiful and ugly alike.

A Bar at the Folies-Bergère, by Édouard Manet 1882 People say her expression is sad, but to me, she seems to be a mix between annoyed and bored.

Self Portrait - 1940, By Frida Kahlo

Flaming June by Sir Frederic Leighton, 1895. I just know she woke up sore after sleeping like a pretzel. Poor thing.

As you can see, you most certainly don't have to like them, BUT you should definitely know of them. Basically, this info is being pushed so that you all don't look like morons if you're ever on the spot. Welp, That's a wrap for now. . . If you'd like to further dabble in the fine arts, head on over to TOP OF ART for an A - Z plethora of masterpieces.

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