Gustav Mahler Quotes

I hope you will no longer accuse me of a lack of delicacy. as I now count on your understanding.

Even if people censure me, they should do so hat in hand.

I live like a Hottentot. I cannot exchange one sensible word with anyone.

Life's been nothing but paperwork.

Tradition is laziness.

It is always the same with me; only when I experience something do I compose, and only when composing do I experience! After all, a musician's nature can hardly be expressed in words.

If I weren't the way I am, I shouldn't write my symphonies.

The longer you live and the more you learn, the more clearly you will feel the difference between the few men who are truly great and the mere virtuosi.

I have become a different person. I don't know whether this person is better, he certainly is not happier.

Tradition is the spreading of fire and not the veneration of ashes.