John Cage

A man driven by philosophy both in his approach to composition and in his personal life, Cage worked counter to the Western traditions set by his contemporaries. His concepts of what music was and could be were entirely radical for the 1920s, when he truly became well known as a composer. The importance of chance in much of his work is most prominent; however, his methods are far from random. The execution of his works follow plans and patterns, yet the result is different each time. 

Cage also gave up the Western consumerist, capitalist ideals that dominated the artistic landscape. He famously said that one must be "disinterested," detaching oneself from the values of fame or fortune and focusing solely on art for art's sake. His interest in I Ching and Zen Buddhism demonstrate a desire to explore beyond the culture laid before him. In addition, his openness about his sexuality and lifelong relationship with Merce Cunningham that began in the 1940s showcased a sense of self, and an unwillingness to conform for the sake of conformity.