Originality is the only thing that counts. But the originator uses material and ideas that occur round him and pass through him. And out of his experience comes the original creation.

Life is a lot like jazz. It's best when you improvise.

True music must repeat the thought and inspirations of the people and the time.

Jazz is one of the best things that you can find in your life, it can always be your friend.

I like to think of music as an emotional science.

Look at the piano. You'll notice that there are white notes and black notes. Figure out the difference between them and you'll be able to make whatever kind of music you want.

Jazz I regard as an American folk music; not the only one, but a very powerful one which is probably in the blood and feeling of the American people more than any other style of folk music.

Music sets up certain vibration which unquestionably results in a physical reaction. Eventually the proper vibration for every person will be found and utilized.

I didn't even start playing the piano until I was about 13 or 14. I guess I must have had a little talent or whatever-you-call-it, but I practised regularly, and that's what counts.

Why should I limit myself to only one woman when I can have as many women as I want?

It is always possible to create something original.

Friendship, as has been said, consists in a full commitment of the will to another person with a view to that person's good.

Be a good listener. With rapt attention, let every communication or conversation you have with your mentor, friends or even strangers be well understood.

And so I begin to be free no longer trapped by the weakness in me.

I was falling. Falling through time and space and stars and sky and everything in between. I fell for days and weeks and what felt like lifetime across lifetimes. I fell until I forgot I was falling.

The toughest thing about success is that you've got to keep on being a success.

The anguish of death hangs over and leads the human spirit to wonder about the mysteries of existence, man's destiny, life, the world.

The head-lines which do not head anything they simply replace something but they do not make anything.

« Are you hungry, baby?” Curran asked. “Starving.” “I think we should go to dinner.” “Great idea.” “What are you going to wear?” “My badass face.” “Good choice,” he said. »

Love is lost in immensities; it comes in simple, gentle ways.

Your limits are liars, you fears are thieves.