I call myself a teacher because they want me to call myself a teacher, but actually, what I'm doing is I'm studying.

My one thing is I continue to be interested and want to be a student. I don't want to be a master. When I'm learning something, I'm in my element.

I searched through rebellion, drugs, diet, mysticism, religion, intellectualism and much more, only to begin to find that truth is basically simple and feels good, clear and right.

I no longer wanted to satisfy myself. I really want to connect with the world and make my music mean something to people.

You've got to create the space, then fill it.

Without a doubt, my richest relationships are my long-term friendships with musical partners, because we make music together. That's what we love to do with our lives.

Only a spiritual being has awareness.

I got a chance to listen to and watch Thelonious Monk and his quartet play two shows a night, for six weeks. It was a great education. There was my university, man.

It's one thing to just play a tune, or play a program of music, but it's another thing to practically create a new language of music, which is what 'Kind of Blue' did.

I decided that I didn't want to spend my time in a liberal arts college.

I've noticed that the more adventurous and in that mode that I am, it seems that the more the audience really likes it.

You must be the most beautiful and sophisticated thief I have ever met. Secretly you stole my heart without my knowledge.

You business exist because your customers allow you to exist. Never forget it.

Does not the gratitude of the dog put to shame any man who is ungrateful to his benefactors?

I've been trying for some time to develop a lifestyle that doesn't require my presence.

True art awakens the Extraordinary Ovation

If ignorance and passion are the foes of popular morality, it must be confessed that moral indifference is the malady of the cultivated classes.

There was never a person who did anything worth doing that he did not receive more than he gave.

Enjoy the necessities of life but eschew the excesses.

I have never known a more vulgar expression of betrayal and deceit.

I still get excited by working with big names. You have that initial moment of, 'Oh my goodness, I'm going to work with Tom Cruise!'