A gift of Henry

Whatever it is Henry Rollins does — as a performer, TV or radio host, actor, or writer — his essence embeds with it all: He is Henry Rollins. It's all he can be. And each endeavor comes with a preternatural integrity that doesn't change, for better or worse. He's an entertainer, foremost. Some artists bristle at such a description, it doesn't give full expression to the depth of what it is they believe they do. But whether your profession involves straddling a stage before crowds of thousands or simply joining the family at the Thanksgiving table, being entertaining may be our highest purpose. It's the gift of ourselves to others. It's generous, it's compassionate, and though it may come from a deep well steeped in pure ego selfishly expecting something in return, at it's core it's gift. That's undeniable. Becoming evermore so if the person receiving has less to give in return.

Anyway. Henry gives gifts. Here's one of my favorites:  

“If you hate your parents, the man or the establishment, don’t show them up by getting wasted and wrapping your car around a tree. If you really want to rebel against your parents: outearn them, outlive them, and know more than they do.” 

More Rollins quotes and pics here. As you may've heard, Rollins has a radio show on KCRW and a column in the LA Weekly. Both document a record geek's zeal and his search for paradise through extreme collecting and the stories that go with it. Well-told stories may be one of the greatest gifts of all.