Theory Or Not?

Music can be a misleading topic to discuss when looked on strictly from the eyes of a theoretical point of view.
When theory is involved with the creation of music it must be dealt with appropriately. Music theory has undoubtedly spawned some of the greatest work of all time, but how much has been created without referring to the handbook?
Artists may go many different paths, but few will walk without any theoretical structures. Even the creation of habit or 'I'm familiar with this sounding good' I regard as a 'personally developed theory'. It is quite the same in its formulation, just not as elaborate and structured as the general consensus for 'music theory'.
So, in that sense you may be doing yourself a great injustice as a theory player using limited knowledge, but still relying.
I've seldom in my life seen a musician who using only their musical vision creates marvelous music. In fact I haven't seen this. But, I do believe in it.
This area of musical ability is where I believe the mystery of music lies, it is an intellectual area that only some have refined enough to use. But, it can be the most coveted skill of all musicians. If there were a perfect working version of this intellect, it would have the ability to directly translate feeling into sound with little technical ability or theoretical knowledge.
With the pure talent of being in tune with ones ability, the theory becomes secondary and the thought dissipates. Ability does still matter in the sense that it has to be refined. But, it is very secondary and will come as you create inspired work.
There are so many other ideas surrounding what music is rather than learning how our ancestors did it. People underestimate new comers when they have no expansive knowledge of how sounds work together. But, some of those people may have enough awareness that shows them; they don't need to know this to create.
If the external manipulation of sound resembles what they hear in their head, then someone else is bound to enjoy it the same.
Of course, this pursuit of theory-less musical training would be extremely discouraging and utterly lengthy, although it may bring into existence something the people of this world squirm about. Change.
Today's general mindset would only allow very few; persistent, dedicated individuals to become what they desired, due to the amount of ridicule they would have to endure.
Remember, our beliefs and traditions are very hard to change.
You will become inspired and it will show you your vision.Your vision then becomes your theory. And your theory will breed your ability, once it has made dinner plans with the inspiration for your vision.
But, you can't be mislead.
Without content you enjoy to put forth you will experience emptiness.
Take these words for all walks of life.

Your mental development will mirror back your theoretical knowledge and playing ability tenfold.