Bad music can make you weak.
Something has to happen between you and the public, some interface that lets the public in on what you're doing.
I always think you should push your envelope every chance you get.
Everything you do is challenging, hopefully, because if it's not, it's boring.
Beautiful tunes are all very good and fine, and great musicians are always great, but that alone isn't enough.
You have to be able to improvise and respond to what's going on around you. Then you might get a good piece of work done.