The only love affair I have ever had was with music.

Why become a second-rate Ravel when you're already a first-rate Gershwin?

Music, I feel, must be emotional first and intellectual second.

I did my work slowly, drop by drop. I tore it out of me by pieces.

We should always remember that sensitiveness and emotion constitute the real content of a work of art

I do not ask for my music to be interpreted, but only for it to be played.

I begin by considering an effect.

You might lose your spontaneity and, instead of composing first-rate Gershwin, end up with second rate Ravel.

If he'd been making shell-cases during the war it might have been better for music.

To George Gershwin, on refusinghim as a pupil: You would only lose the spontaneous quality of your melody, and end by writing bad Ravel.

Remember that I wrote a pavane for a dead princess, and not a dead pavane for a princess!

The final proof of greatness lies in being able to endure criticism without resentment.

In love's God-like breathing, there's the innermost aspect of the universe.

As long as you are happy with your life, you'll have less problems.

My goal is to be the best fighter in the world, UFC Heavyweight Champion. There is no back-up plan.

I'm very much a believer that it's action that matters much more so than, you know, the flurry of political promises and statements and slogans that are used during political campaigns.

People don't come to church for preachments, of course, but to daydream about God.

All history was at first oral.

An ability to embrace new ideas, routinely challenge old ones, and live with paradox will be the effective leader's premier trait.

My main inspirations are the people around me, heartbreaks, frustration and everything that makes you feel stronger than you should.

I'm not saying that a child who was abused or beaten or abandoned made that happen, but your reaction to it is always yours.