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?

The earth becomes heaven when you release your fear. The main thing in life is not to be afraid of being human.

Rock n' roll is poison put to sound.

I am an old man but in many senses a very young man. And this is what I want you to be, young, young all your life.

When you play Bach like Chopin, and Chopin like Bach, something good happens.

Thank God, I'll never have to play the cello again.