One does not play the piano with one's fingers, one plays the piano with one's mind.

The purpose of art is not the release of a momentary ejection of adrenaline but rather the gradual, lifelong construction of a state of wonder and serenity.

Isolation is the indispensable component of human happiness.

There is a craft and a power in listening.

u201Che G-minor Symphony consists of eight remarkable measures surrounded by a half-hour of banality.

Whenever one honestly defies a tradition, one becomes, in reality, the more responsible to it.

The purpose of art is the lifelong construction of a state of wonder.

I detest audiences - not in their individual components, but en masse I detest audiences. I think they're a force of evil. It seems to me rule of mob law.

If an artist wants to use his mind for creative work, cutting oneself off from society is a necessary thing

My moods are inversely related to the clarity of the sky.

The justification of art is the internal combustion it ignites in the hearts of men and not its shallow, externalized, public manifestations.

I'm into books - I love literature, so I toyed with the idea of being an English teacher. I had a fantastic English teacher at school. I think great English teachers make the world go round.

Liberal: a power worshipper without power.

A false idea is not only one which is absolutely subjective but one which is absolutely objective.

When one has to ask, "Am I really in love?" the answer is always "No".

The first half of life is devoted to forming a healthy ego, the second half is going inward and letting go of it.

When I am playing a role far away from me with an accent that is not mine I always employ a dialect coach. I am almost always playing someone that has an accent that is not mine.

I can't believe anyone would voluntarily run 26 miles. Sometimes I sit on the couch cross-legged because I don't feel like walking to the bathroom.

But I hate things all fiction... there should always be some foundation of fact for the most airy fabric - and pure invention is but the talent of a liar.

names are a way to keep people in your mind

When I run, I always pretend I am running toward Nikki, and it makes me feel like I am decreasing the amount of time I have to wait until I see her again.