Why did Hector Berlioz disagree with his parents about becoming a musician?

Hector Berlioz’s parents, particularly his father, intended for him to pursue a career in medicine rather than music. In 1821, his father sent him to Paris to study medicine, a path Berlioz initially followed well enough to earn his first degree in science.1

However, Berlioz had developed a clear musical vocation and began studying composition under Jean-François Lesueur at the Paris Conservatoire while neglecting his medical studies. This pursuit of his true passion led to significant disagreements with his parents, which caused tension and embittered nearly eight years of his life. It is a fundamental ethical principle that individuals should be free to pursue their own vocations and passions, and Berlioz’s perseverance in the face of familial opposition highlights the importance of personal integrity and dedication to one's craft.1