Eric Johnson Quotes

Powerful Eric Johnson for Daily Growth

About Eric Johnson

Eric Johnson, born on March 31, 1954, in Austin, Texas, is an acclaimed American guitarist, songwriter, and producer, primarily recognized for his work within the progressive rock genre. He is known for his virtuoso guitar skills, innovative style, and rich melodic sensibilities that have captivated audiences worldwide. Raised in a musical family, Eric began playing the guitar at age nine. Influenced by musicians such as Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, and Chet Atkins, he developed a unique blending of rock, blues, jazz, and country styles. After high school, he attended the University of Texas at Austin, but dropped out to pursue his musical dreams. In 1978, Johnson formed the band Eric Johnson Group, releasing their self-titled debut album in 1979. However, it was his third solo album, "Ah Via Musicom" (1990), that brought him international fame. The album's single, "Cliffs of Dover," earned Johnson a Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance. Johnson's major works include "Tones," "Venus Isle," and "Blood and Fire." His guitar technique is marked by complex chord structures, innovative tapping methods, and harmonically rich solos. He has been praised for his ability to seamlessly blend intricate technicality with emotional depth in his music. Beyond his solo career, Johnson has collaborated with artists like Michael Landau, John Scofield, and Steve Vai. He is also a respected guitar teacher, having authored several books on guitar technique. Eric Johnson's unique musical journey continues to inspire a new generation of musicians, solidifying his place as a legend in the world of rock music.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The art of meditation is nothing more than learning to witness the thoughts and emotions that pass through you, without becoming entangled in them."

This quote by Eric Johnson emphasizes the practice of meditation as a skill to observe one's thoughts and emotions without getting emotionally involved or reacting impulsively. It encourages an objective, detached awareness that allows individuals to experience their mental states rather than being controlled by them, promoting inner peace and emotional balance.


"The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it."

This quote suggests that the current moment is intrinsically filled with joy and happiness, but to experience it fully, one must be mindfully aware or attentive. It emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in perceiving and embracing the positive aspects of the present, as opposed to dwelling on past regrets or future anxieties.


"Meditation allows us to be more awake and more aware and therefore it is a practice of freedom."

The quote suggests that meditation, as a practice, enables individuals to gain increased consciousness, awareness, and perception. By doing so, it promotes a sense of freedom because heightened awareness allows one to understand oneself, the world, and life's complexities better, leading to a greater understanding and appreciation of personal choices and the environment in which we live. Ultimately, meditation can help individuals liberate themselves from limitations, preconceptions, and negative emotions that may hinder their personal growth and self-discovery.


"Realize deeply that the present moment is all you have. Make the NOW the primary focus of your life."

This quote emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment, recognizing it as the only tangible reality we have. It encourages us to prioritize our immediate experience over past regrets or future worries, reminding us that the present is where our potential for action, growth, and happiness lies.


"In meditation, don't worry about how well you are doing or if you are good at it. Meditation is like water flowing over stones; some places it moves smoothly and quickly, other times it tumbles and crashes. Neither is better. Just continue the flow of awareness to the present moment."

This quote by Eric Johnson emphasizes that meditation should not be a competition or measurement of one's ability, but rather a continuous practice that flows like water over stones. It suggests that our meditation journey may sometimes be smooth and quick, while other times it might be tumultuous and challenging. However, both experiences are part of the process, and neither is superior. The key is to maintain awareness in the present moment and continue the flow of consciousness, accepting and learning from the ebbs and flows of this practice.


I did my first professional play at 11, and there was really nothing else I ever dreamed of doing. I felt so fortunate that I knew at the age of like, 12, like this is all I want to do for the rest of my life; that's the only play. There's no backup plan. My mom wanted me to go to school and have a backup plan. I'm like 'No, this is the only plan.'

- Eric Johnson

My Life, Play, Doing, Backup

Sometimes it's tough as a supporting character: you are on the sidelines, and you don't get to be there for most of the fun stuff. You are hearing about all the great stuff that is going on, but you never get to be a part of it.

- Eric Johnson

Sometimes, Going, Part, Great Stuff

Growing up in Canada, none of my family were performers or anything like that, but I was terrible at hockey, so they needed something for me to do on Saturdays for me to get out of the house. I signed up for theater school on Saturdays, and I'd go for four-and-a-half hours every Saturday morning and learn about theater.

- Eric Johnson

Saturday, Needed, About, Saturdays

Movies are a big thing in our house. Every Friday, we do family pizza night, and we make pizza from scratch, and then we sit down and watch a movie.

- Eric Johnson

Night, Big, Movie, Friday

I'm resigned to the fact that I'm gonna be the person in shows that people hate and dislike and root against. And I'm OK with it.

- Eric Johnson

Fact, Shows, Gonna, OK

Actors are almost conditioned to get their director's approval. 'I just did my song and dance, boss. What did you think?' Actors are infantilized so much.

- Eric Johnson

Boss, Song, Think, Conditioned

When a lot of people watch these Victorian-era shows, they're in love with the costumes, the romance, the whole sweep of it all. But there is nothing nostalgic about 'The Knick' at all.

- Eric Johnson

Love, Romance, Sweep, Costumes

I have played my fair share of bad guys, or at least the nemesis.

- Eric Johnson

Bad, Guys, Least, Fair Share

At the end of the day, you're saying lines and playing pretend. All that varies from show to show is the level of the intensity and the terms of the expectations you place on yourself.

- Eric Johnson

End Of The Day, Level, Show, Lines

It's pretty amazing to see something in your head and write it down, go out and shoot it, then see it on the big screen. It's a pretty amazing feeling.

- Eric Johnson

Big, Go, Pretty, Shoot

You can't just blame things on evil. Everyone's a human, so when people say that somebody's behaving 'inhuman,' it's not. It's very human - it's just not a very nice side of it.

- Eric Johnson

Everyone, Very, Side, Behaving

I realize I live in a bubble, and all the opportunities are there to me. And having done a number of popular TV series, I'm mildly famous in certain situations, and lots of doors open to me.

- Eric Johnson

Famous, TV, Having, Situations

One of things that drives me nuts is you rarely get bad guys who are written very well.

- Eric Johnson

Bad, Very, Drives, Bad Guys

The great thing about being a lead is getting to go to work every day and have fun.

- Eric Johnson

Work, Have Fun, Every Day, Great Thing

I've played horrible people and done horrible things, and there were moments on 'The Knick' where it was super uncomfortable - some of the things I had to do and say.

- Eric Johnson

Uncomfortable, Some, Had, Horrible Things

I had a friend who had done the cinematics for 'Splinter Cell: Conviction,' so he kind of indoctrinated me into the series. I did a bunch of temp stuff for him - I roughed stuff in the game for him, playing about nine characters - just so he had some character templates to work from.

- Eric Johnson

Game, Some, Nine, Bunch

The best thing about doing those Hallmark movies is my dad loves them. My dad watches all of those Christmas movies, not just ones I'm in. He watches them all, so the first one I did, it was like my Christmas present to my dad.

- Eric Johnson

Doing, About, Dad, Watches

It doesn't feel good to be a horrible, violent, misogynist person.

- Eric Johnson

Feel Good, Person, Violent, Horrible

As a performer, I'm happy if one person gets to see the work I do, but to have lots of people see it and appreciate it, it feels good.

- Eric Johnson

Work, Happy, Feels, Performer

You dream about getting to be a part of really solid projects.

- Eric Johnson

Dream, Getting, Solid, Projects

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