One should never forget that by actually perfecting one piece one gains and learns more than by starting or half-finishing a dozen.

Without craftsmanship, inspiration is a mere reed shaken in the wind.

The idea comes to me from outside of me - and is like a gift. I then take the idea and make it my own - that is where the skill lies.

Study Bach. There you will find everything.

If there is anyone here whom I have not insulted, I beg his pardon.

Reviewer: 'One of your themes was very similar to one of Beethoven's!' Brahms replied, 'Of course it is. Everyone steals - the important thing is to do it brilliantly.

It is a real pleasure to see music so bright and spontaneous expressed with corresponding ease and grace.

It is not hard to compose, but what is fabulously hard is to leave the superfluous notes under the table.

If we cannot write with the beauty of Mozart, let us at least try to write with his purity.

The only true immortality lies in one's children.

Straight-away the ideas flow in upon me, directly from God, and not only do I see distinct themes in my mind's eye, but they are clothed in the right forms, harmonies, and orchestration.

You'll forget it when you're dead, and so will I. When I'm dead, I'm going to forget everything–and I advise you to do the same.

Long ago she'd clamped an iron shell around her heart and nothing and no one could pry it lose, but deep inside the tender flesh still beat.

Your life is like a book you decide what to write on it or erase from it

The rooms were very still while the pages were softly turned and the winter sunshine crept in to touch the bright heads and serious faces with a Christmas greeting.

Somebody once asked me if I ever went up to the plate trying to hit a home run. I said, 'Sure, every time.'

I swear so soon as age will permit ... I will use fire and steel to arrest the destiny of Rome.

If a person goes to his job with a firm determination to give of himself the best of which he is capable, that job no matter what it is takes on dignity and importance.

Only the State legally obtains its revenue by coercion.

These lands are not always calm. We may well have more adventures ahead of us. But we shall meet them with high hearts.

'Cause I'll rip the mic, rip the stage, rip the system I was born to rage against 'em