I'm working, but there is so much still to be done! And it frightens me to think of my weight of years. But on we go, without fear or hesitation!

Inspiration is an awakening, a quickening of all man's faculties, and it is manifested in all high artistic achievements.

The music of this opera (Madame Butterfly) was dictated to me by God. I was merely instrumental in getting it on paper and communicating it to the public.

Art is a kind of illness.

I lived for art, I lived for love

The work comes into the world at an undetermined hour, from a still unknown, but it comes inevitably.

See, the night doth enfold us! See, all the world lies sleeping!

Cold calculation, random spots of color, mathematically exact construction (clearly shown or concealed), drawing that is now silent and now strident . . . . Is this not form?

It is the goldsmith who can assay the gold.

All of us, from time to time, need a plunge into freedom and novelty, after which routine and discipline will seem delightful by contrast.

I'm taking a vow not to advise.

I respect a man who can recognize a quotation. It's a dying art.

Enlightenment is really worth seeking. It is the only thing that gives you permanent happiness. When you experience the ecstasy of enlightenment, everything is alright.

I arm myself with punch lines and a big old water gun.

Quite the ugliest face I ever saw was that of a woman whom the world called beautiful. Through its silver veil the evil and ungentle passions looked out, hideous and hateful.

I wish I had a gentle mind and a spine made up of iron.

I grew up in Michigan, so I played hockey, football and basketball. I played a little bit of lacrosse, too. My brother played more lacrosse and ran track.

He who always thinks himself as weak will never become strong, but he who knows himself to be a lion, rushes out from the worlds meshes, as a lion from its cage.