I used to think that music was like lace upon a garment, nice to have but not necessary. I have come to believe that music is absolutely essential to our community life.

I wouldn't give a dime for all the possibilities of [motion pictures with sound]. The public will never accept it.

If a man has wealth, he has to make a choice, because there is the money heaping up. He can keep it together in a bunch, and then leave it for others to administer after he is dead. Or he can get it into action and have fun, while he is still alive. I prefer getting it into action and adapting it to human needs, and making the plan work.

The rich man never really gives anything, he only distributes part of the surplus. It is the person of moderate means who really gives.

What we do during our working hours determines what we have; what we do in our leisure hours determines what we are.

The progress of the world depends almost entirely upon education.

Suicide note. "To my friends. My work is done why wait?"