This is the mark of a really admirable man: steadfastness in the face of trouble.

The world is a king, and like a king, desires flattery in return for favor; but true art is selfish and perverse — it will not submit to the mold of flattery.

Rossini would have been a great composer if his teacher had spanked him enough on his backside.

There is no loftier mission than to approach the Divinity nearer than other men, and to disseminate the divine rays among mankind.

Wherever you are, I am there also.

I can live only wholly with you or not at all.

I want to seize fate by the throat.