Ludwig van Beethoven

I will seize Fate by the throat; it shall certainly not bend me completely to its will.

Pity that I am not master of all the world, as I am of my heart!

What is difficult is also beautiful, good, and great.

A musician is a magician, who, by the power of his art, can turn a heart of stone into a heart of gold.

I have never thought of writing for reputation and honor. What I have in my heart must come out; that is the reason why I compose.

I have no friend. I must live alone. I know that I am closer to God than other artists; I commune with Him in my art.

The true artist has no pride. He sees unfortunately that art has no limits; he feels darkly how far he is from the goal, and though he may be admired by others, he is sad that he has not yet reached the point where he can see the better light shining before him.

Music is the one incorporeal entrance into the higher world of knowledge which comprehends mankind but which mankind cannot comprehend.

Ah, it seemed to me impossible to leave the world until I had produced all that I felt called upon to produce.

Recommend to your children virtue; that alone can make them happy, not gold.

I would rather write 10,000 notes than a single letter of the alphabet.

Only the pure in heart can make a good soup.

It is not enough to have a good mind; the main thing is to use it well.

Freedom, progress is the goal in the world of art as in general.

I hate flatterers and toadies, but I like people who are straightforward and honest.

Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy.

To play a wrong note is insignificant; to play without passion is inexcusable!

The more I think of it, the more I feel that there is something wrong with the whole business of publishing. The publishers are the real thieves.

I am not satisfied with my work; I always want to do better.

My mind is so full of music that I could easily compose a new opera every day.