"Who would dare assign to art the sterile function of imitating nature?"

"Always be a poet, even in prose."

"Everything considered, work is less boring than amusing oneself."

"Whether you come from heaven or hell, what does it matter, O Beauty!"

"I practice and work hard at my music, but I'm not saving lives here."

"Never give in and never give up."

"I talked to the players and tried to make them aware of what was good and bad, but I didn't try to run their lives."

"We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid."