Music possesses much richer means of expression and it is a more subtle medium for translating the 1000 shifting moments of the feelings of the soul.

Music is an incomparably more powerful means and is a subtler language for expressing the thousand different moments of the soul's moods.

Where the heart does not enter; there can be no music.

To regret the past, to hope in the future, and never to be satisfied with the present: that is what I spend my whole life doing

Truly there would be reason to go mad were it not for music.

Inspiration is a guest that does not willingly visit the lazy.

Madam, you ask me how I compose. I compose sitting down.

After the last notes of Gotterdammerung I felt as though I had been let out of prison.

I like the plot of The Nutcracker - not at all.

The creative process is like music which takes root with extraordinary force and rapidity

What I need is to believe in myself again — for my faith has been greatly undermined; it seems to me my role is over.

Although born in a prosperous realm, we did not believe that its boundaries should limit our knowledge, and that the lore of the East should alone enlighten us.

I was never a topical songwriter.

A literary achievement of the highest order.

It is what you think of this situation that governs you and not the situation itself. Causation is always in mind and not in things.

If you keep working you'll last longer. I'd hate to spend the rest of my life trying to outwit an 18-inch fish.

When we are given gifts, we must be quick and able to accept them.

Never limit yourself, never be satisfied, and smile-it's free!

If you are going to make something forever, you should be yourself.

When one has tasted watermelons, one knows what angels eat. It was not a Southern watermelon that Eve took; we know it because she repented.

Boasting is only a masked shame; it does not truly believe in itself.