We need not destroy the past. It is gone.

The highest purpose is to have no purpose at all. This puts one in accord with nature, in her manner of operation.

My favorite piece [piece of music] is the one we hear all the time if we are quiet.

In an utter emptiness anything can take place.

Ideas are one thing and what happens is another.

Percussion music is revolution. Sound and rhythm have too long been submissive to the restrictions of nineteenth century music. Today we are fighting for their emancipation. Tomorrow, with electronic music in our ears, we will hear freedom. At the present stage of revolution, a healthy lawlessness is warranted. Experiment must necessarily be carried on by hitting anything-tin pans, rice bowls, iron pipes-anything we can lay our hands on. Not only hitting, but rubbing, scraping, making sound in every possible way...What we can't do ourselves will be done by machines which we will invent.

Beware of losing what isn't in your head.