I cannot give a single concert at which I do not play one piece after the other in an agony of terror because my memory threatens to fail me. This fear torments me for days beforehand.

Why hurry over beautiful things? Why not linger and enjoy them?

I once believed that I possessed creative talent, but I have given up this idea; a woman must not desire to compose — there has never yet been one able to do it. Should I expect to be the one?

My imagination can picture no fairer happiness than to continue living for art.

Composing gives me great pleasure... there is nothing that surpasses the joy of creation, if only because through it one wins hours of self-forgetfulness, when one lives in a world of sound.

There is nothing greater than the joy of composing something oneself and then listening to it.

I wish to lead a life free from care, and I see that I shall be unhappy if I cannot always work at my art.

I will yield to popular demands only insofar as they do not betray my own convictions.

I do not want horses or diamonds - I am happy in possessing you.

My health may be better preserved if I exert myself less, but in the end doesn't each person give his life for his calling?

If I have known much trouble in my youth, I have also known much joy.

You may think you will never get caught for your wrongdoing, but be assured that you will be imprisoned by your wrongdoing.

Patience and perserverance will accomplish more in this world than a brilliant dash. Remember that when something goes wrong.

The learned are seldom pretty fellows, and in many cases their appearance tends to discourage a love of study in the young.

Humans have grown like a cancer. We're the biggest blight on the face of the earth.

She neglects her heart who too closely studies her glass.

Without cavalry, battles are without result.

My father's a protector. My father's old-school. He's a cowboy.

Evolution is like walking on a rolling barrel. The walker isn't so much interested in where the barrel is going as he is in keeping on top of it.

Whenever possible, go outside the expertise of the enemy.

To take a single step beyond the text would be to take possession of a boundless field of power.