Beethoven was deaf

How Beethoven Composed Music Without Hearing

Unwitty Writer
Write A Catalyst
3 min readAug 20, 2024

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Readers, have you ever felt like life threw a challenge your way that seemed impossible to overcome? Like the universe just handed you a puzzle with no solution?

I think we’ve all been there at some point.

But let me tell you about a man who faced one of the most unimaginable hurdles and still managed to create something truly beautiful — Ludwig van Beethoven.

Now, many of you might already know Beethoven as one of the greatest composers of all time. His music is legendary, and his influence is unmatched.

But here’s the kicker:

Beethoven was deaf. Yes, you read that right.

This musical genius, whose compositions still move us to this day, lost his hearing at the age of 28. And yet, he went on to compose some of his most iconic pieces after this happened.

Imagine that for a moment. A composer who can’t hear his own music.

It’s like a painter losing their sight, or a writer losing their ability to read. And yet, Beethoven didn’t stop. He kept going, creating symphonies, sonatas, and concertos that have stood the test of time.

How did he do it?

Through sheer determination, a deep understanding of his craft, and perhaps most importantly, an unyielding belief in his ability to express his soul through music, even when the world went silent.

This got me thinking about other incredible individuals who have defied the odds in the face of immense challenges.

Take Frida Kahlo, for example. The Mexican artist whose life was marked by pain — both physical and emotional. After a bus accident left her with lifelong injuries, Kahlo turned her pain into art. Her vibrant, often surreal paintings are more than just images; they’re expressions of her deepest struggles and emotions. Kahlo didn’t let her suffering define her — she used it as fuel for her creativity, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire millions.

Image taken from the Guardian

Helen Keller is another great example to quote here. She was both blind and deaf, yet she became an author, activist, and lecturer. Can you imagine the strength it took to break through the barriers of silence and darkness to communicate with the world? Keller didn’t just learn to communicate; she learned to inspire, educate, and change the world’s perception of what a person with disabilities can achieve.

Image taken from Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame

Or think about Stephen Hawking. Diagnosed with ALS at the age of 21 and given just a few years to live, he defied every prediction. His body may have been paralyzed, but his mind roamed freely across the cosmos. Hawking went on to become one of the most brilliant theoretical physicists, changing our understanding of the universe while facing physical limitations most of us can’t even begin to comprehend.

Stephen Hawking

What all these extraordinary people have in common is their ability to rise above their circumstances.

They didn’t let their challenges stop them. Instead, they found ways to adapt, to persevere, and to create something extraordinary.

They turned their limitations into strengths and taught us that the human spirit is far more powerful than any obstacle.

So, the next time you’re facing a challenge that feels insurmountable, remember Beethoven, Keller, Hawking, and Kahlo.

Remember that within you lies the same potential for greatness.

Your story might be different, your challenges unique, but the ability to overcome and create beauty in the face of adversity is universal.

Until next time, keep pushing boundaries and never stop believing in your potential.

Thank you Write a Catalyst for giving shelter to my words.

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Unwitty Writer
Write A Catalyst

Wasl hai Marg-e-Arzoo (Union is the death of prolonged desire)