Language, that most human invention, can enable what, in principle, should not be possible. It can allow all of us, even the congenitally blind, to see with another person’s eyes.

Every act of perception, is to some degree an act of creation, and every act of memory is to some degree an act of imagination.

I am a man of vehement disposition, with violent enthusiasms, and extreme immoderation in all my passions.

Music originally had a social function. You were in church, in a concert hall, a marching band; you were dancing. I'm concerned that music could be too separated from its roots and just become a pleasure-giving experience, like a drug.

Eccentricity is like having an accent. It's what "other" people have.

I feel a sudden clear focus and perspective. There is no time for anything inessential.

Much more of the brain is devoted to movement than to language. Language is only a little thing sitting on top of this huge ocean of movement.