I attempt to compose symphonies, although it is clear to me that logically it is pointless.

I would wake up in Moscow or somewhere else, my heart beating fast, feeling bitter and helpless.

For almost thirty years I repeatedly saw one and the same dream: I would arrive in Vienna at long last. I would feel really happy, for I was returning to my serene childhood.

I am not (yet) facing the problem of emigration. I want my music to be acknowledged here first of all, in this country: after that, we shall see - perhaps the question will then become urgent.

I set down a beautiful chord on paper—and suddenly it rusts.

Do you know that my very first experience as a composer was a 'Concerto for Accordion?

For a solo work I need a definite idea. For the present I have none.

Everything is like a wall. Said a scholar to the troll. Bang your head to go on through. Then you'll see, there is no queue.

Optimism is a kind of heart stimulant - the digitalis of failure.

Cynics are - beneath it all - only idealists with awkwardly high standards.

I think you can make good things happen if you look for them. Life is a very positive thing.

You're not working with models, you're working with real women who have, like, anatomy. Models do not have anatomy

My work at MIT had focused on what we could build in space once we had inexpensive space transportation and industrial facilities in orbit. And this led to various sorts of work in space development.

A good marriage is like Dr Who's Tardis: small and banal from the outside but spacious and interesting from within.

The enemy is fear. We think it is hate; but, it is fear.

My dream was to play Major League baseball. I've lived that dream.

I like doing character movies. I like doing movies about personal situations; that's what I love about dealing with things.