The Washington Post Experience, as recounted by Are Hovstad, revisits a 2007 experiment by journalist Gene Weingarten, in which world-renowned violinist Joshua Bell performed anonymously at a Washington DC subway station. Only seven passersby paused to listen, and just one recognized him, leaving Bell with a mere $27—$20 of which came from the sole admirer. Weingarten’s Pulitzer Prize-winning reflection underscored humanity’s tendency to overlook beauty amid daily distractions. Months later, the same artist captivated an audience in Cape Town’s City Hall, where his performance with the local orchestra drew a packed crowd. Dressed simply, Bell