Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity.

Creativity is more than just being different. Anybody can plan weird; that's easy. What's hard is to be as simple as Bach. Making the simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity.

I never heard my music played the way I heard it in my head.

I am Charles Mingus, half black man, not even white enough to pass for nothing but black. I am Charles Mingus, a famed jazzman, but not famed enough to make a living in this society.

I'm trying to play the truth of what I am. The reason it's difficult is because I'm changing all the time.

My music is evidence of my souls will to live.

If Charlie Parker were a Gunslinger, There'd be a Whole Lot of Dead Copycats

Jazz music is a language of the emotions.

Making the complicated simple is true creativity.

Bach is how buildings got taller. It's how we got to the moon.

They're singing your praises while stealing your phrases.

In the end, you will realize most friendship is feigning, most loving mere folly.

War has often been called a game, with good reason. Both have combatants. Both have sides. Both carry the risk of losing.

Because I am in love with you. Because I cannot be around you for fear you will finally see what is written across my heart. Because the pain of you is one I cannot bear

We (the FBI) are a fact-gathering organization only. We don't clear anybody. We don't condemn anybody.

All you have the right to ask of life is to choose a battle in this war, make the best you can, and leave the field with honor.

I defied the machinery to make me its slave. Its incessant discords could not drown the music of my thoughts if I would let them fly high enough.

I like a guy who makes me laugh, doesn't care about the fame, the show, he just likes me for me, he likes Nicole.

Men might be better if we better deemed of them.

You know," Shane said twenty minutes later, "I'd feel a whole lot better about the two of us if you didn't think I was the go-to guy for breaking and entering.

And sleep, that sometime shuts up sorrow's eye, Steal me awhile from mine own company.