Why we think John Cage is a Type 5

• Demeanor. Cage had a calm and gentle presence, with a soft-spoken voice that reflected his contemplative and curious nature.

• Intellectual curiosity. Cage relentlessly explored new ideas and techniques in music, such as chance operations and  indeterminacy. He often drew inspiration from Eastern philosophies, particularly Zen Buddhism, which influenced his approach to composition.

• Nonconformity. Cage was not afraid to challenge traditional musical norms and embrace unconventional practices. He rejected the idea that music should only consist of tonal harmony and melody, which led to the development of his groundbreaking compositions, such as 4'33", a piece consisting of silence in order to hear all the unique sounds around at the time of its performance.

• Innovativeness. Cage's passion for innovation led him to experiment with various media, such as electronic music, multimedia performances, and visual art. He was also an early adopter of technologies like tape recorders and computer-generated sounds.

• Solitude, reflection, and self-sufficiency. Cage was known to spend extended periods in solitude, reflecting and working on his compositions. His secluded cabin in Stony Point, New York, served as a retreat where he could be alone with his thoughts and his work. He preferred to work alone and had a strong desire for self-reliance.

• Experimentation with I Ching. Cage used the ancient Chinese divination text, the I Ching, to incorporate chance and randomness into his compositions.

• Emphasis on self-discovery. Cage was focused on finding his own unique artistic voice and resisting external influences (which also speaks to his 4 Wing). For example, he studied under influential composer Arnold Schoenberg but ultimately developed his own distinct approach to composition that diverged from Schoenberg's twelve-tone technique.

• Cerebral lectures and writings. Cage's extensive lectures and writings on music, art, and philosophy were cerebral and technical. They reveal his deep intellectual engagement with various subjects. His book "Silence. Lectures and Writings" is a testament to his diverse interests and his desire to share his knowledge with others.

• Prepared piano. Cage pioneered the concept of the prepared piano, which involved placing objects (such as screws, bolts, or pieces of rubber) between the strings of a piano to alter its sound. This unconventional approach to music-making further emphasized Cage's eccentric and innovative spirit.