The art of interpretation is not to play what is written.

I do not think a day passes in my life in which I fail to look with fresh amazement at the miracle of nature.

I have always regarded manual labour as creative and looked with respect-and, yes, wonder-at people who work with their hands. It seems to me that their creativity is no less than that of a violinist or painter.

One should be able to say to our children: You are a marvel! You are unique. In all the world, there is no other child exactly like you. In the millions of years that have passed, there has never been another child like you! ... and when you grow up, can you harm another who is, like you, a marvel?

I feel the capacity to care is the thing which gives life its deepest significance.

The only weapons I ever had were my cello and my baton.

There is no substitute for work; what seems ease of performance comes from the greatest labor.