Music is either sacred or secular. The sacred agrees with its dignity, and here has its greatest effect on life, an effect that remains the same through all ages and epochs. Secular music should be cheerful throughout.

However often we turn to it [the Koran] at first disgusting us each time afresh, it soon attracts, astounds, and in the end enforces our reverence. . . . Its style, in accordance with its contents and aim is stern, grand, terrible - ever and anon truly sublime - Thus this book will go on exercising through all ages a most potent influence.

Mastery passes often for egotism.

Deny yourself! You must deny yourself! That is the song that never ends.

He is dead in this world who has no belief in another.

I hate every violent overthrow, because as much is destroyed as is gained by it.

Man must strive, and striving he must err.