Music begins where the possibilities of language end.

Pay no attention to what the critics say; no statue has ever been erected to a critic.

If we understood the world, we would realize that there is a logic of harmony underlying its manifold apparent dissonances.

All the doctors who wanted to forbid me to smoke and to drink are dead.

Music is, for me, like a beautiful mosaic which God has put together. He takes all the pieces in his hand, throws them into the world, and we have to recreate the picture from the pieces.

If you really put a small value upon yourself, rest assured that the world will not raise your price. Pay no attention to what the critics say. A statue has never been erected in honor of a critic.

Music is on a higher plane than everything else in this world.

Whereas most other modern composers are engaged in manufacturing cocktails of every hue and description, I offer the public cold spring water.

I often conduct an orchestra in my sleep; my orchestras are so huge that the back desks of the violas vanish into the horizon. And everything is so wonderful.

Millions of years ago, in my previous incarnations, I must have been related to swans... because I can still feel that affinity.

The framework of a symphony must be so strong that it forces you to follow it, regardless of the environment and circumstances.

Anyone who says failure is not an option has also ruled out innovation.

I do save a lot. I'm a reality TV star but at the end of the day I know you have to save. With my career it can sometimes be over in an instant and that's why I've always saved.

Justice for All in the World

A great social reformer.

Fear, the strength of earth's religions, gripping every living soul, Was a monstrous human error for the making of men whole.

Most men are not scolded out of their opinion.

Anybody can direct, but there are only eleven good writers.

Who has smelled the woodsmoke at twilight, who has seen the campfire burning, who is quick to read the noises of the night?

Asleep, nobody is a hypocrite

Writers can write to affirm and to celebrate, or they can write to debunk and destroy; the choice is ours.