Most people ask for happiness on condition. Happiness can only be felt if you don't set any condition.

Of course there is no formula for success, except perhaps an unconditional acceptance of life, and what it brings

The seasons are what a symphony ought to be: four perfect movements in harmony with each other.

The result was magnificent . . . I became the father of two girls and two boys, lovely children by good fortune they all look like my wife.

I have found that if you love life, life will love you back.

When I was young, I used to have successes with women because I was young. Now I have successes with women because I am old. Middle age was the hardest part.

Never sound pompous. You always sound noble, noble. Absolute character of music is nobility. Even popular music can be noble, you see. If it's not noble, then it's not very good... Music is an art of emotion, of nobility, of dignity, of greatness, of love, of tenderness. All that must be brought out in music but never a show of pompousness.