Richard Wagner

The Jew, who, as we know, has a God all to himself, we need not discuss further here. He is a parasite, a germ, a pestilence, an ulcer, a gangrene; he is incapable of any true art. He has only money.

I can only compose if I am in a state of frantic excitement. My nerves must be in a state of tension, of feverish agitation.

My whole life has been a flight from reality.

I do not know what the meaning of my life is, if it is not to make music.

My entire future depends on whether I shall succeed in getting a silk dressing-gown, two pairs of silk stockings, and a new hat.

A totally new art must be created, an art which will be to the existing art as man is to the ape.

I need to be surrounded by beauty and luxury to be able to compose. I cannot live in a miserable hole.

My nerves are in a state of constant over-excitement, and I am perpetually on the verge of madness.

I am a man of extremes. I must either be a god or a devil.

My whole life has been a struggle against the stupidity of the world.

I am nothing but a bundle of nerves and desires.

The true artist creates because he must, not because he wants to.

My brain is always working, even when I am asleep. It is a torment.

I am the most German of all Germans. I am the German spirit incarnate.

I have never loved any woman as much as I have loved the ideal of womanhood.

I am surrounded by mediocrity. It stifles me.

My health is constantly tormented by the most singular and inexplicable afflictions.

The greatest misfortune of my life is that I was born into an age when I am so terribly misunderstood.

I am a revolutionary, and I will remain one until my dying day.

My art is my religion, and I will not compromise it for anything.