If you do not breathe through writing, if you do not cry out in writing, or sing in writing, then don't write, because our culture has no use for it.

The man who writes about himself and his own time is the only man who writes about all people and all time.

The art of art, the glory of expression and the sunshine of the light of letters, is simplicity.

Music in the soul can be heard by the universe.

I'm very happy to hear that my work inspires writers and painters. It's the most beautiful compliment, the greatest reward. Art should always be an exchange.

The true art of memory is the art of attention.

And I'll stand on the ocean until I start sinking.

Intellectual passion drives out sensuality.

Nature scarcely ever gives us the very best; for that we must have recourse to art.

Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen.

Critics are the men who have failed in literature and art.

It's so sweet, I feel like my teeth are rotting when I listen to the radio.

Art is magic delivered from the lie of being truth.

Everything in the universe has a rhythm, everything dances.

Music can change the world because it can change people.

I accept chaos, I'm not sure whether it accepts me.

Music is the one incorporeal entrance into the higher world of knowledge which comprehends mankind but which mankind cannot comprehend.

The absence of limitations is the enemy of art.

The purpose of a writer is to keep civilization from destroying itself.

Each song is a child I nourish and give my love to. But even if you have never written a song, your life is a song. How can it not be?

Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to loneliness.