Rules are my very humble, obedient servants.

When I think of my God, my heart dances within me for joy, and then my music has to dance, too.

Young people can learn from my example that something can come from nothing. What I have become is the result of my hard efforts.

There was no one near to confuse me, so I was forced to become original.

Since God has given me a cheerful heart, He will forgive me for serving Him cheerfully.

It is the melody which is the charm of music, and it is that which is most difficult to produce. The invention of a fine melody is a work of genius.

When I think upon my God, my heart is full of joy that the notes dance and leap from my pen.

I was never a quick writer, but composed with great care and efforts.

If you want to know whether you have written anything worth preserving, sing it to yourself without any accompaniment.

I listened more than I studied... therefore little by little my knowledge and ability were developed.

I'm going to commune with God and I must be appropriately dressed!

Sometimes the only way to succeed is to fail backwards

It's a bad word, 'belong.' Especially when you put it with somebody you love ... You can't own a human being.

I prefer to stay on the important issues facing the American people.

I've been coming to America since 1970, and it's like my second home, but I've never felt such a divided country, ever. I didn't think it would get to this point, and it breaks my heart.

To believe, one must have lost God. To paint, one must have lost art.

Some of us are more concerned with our reputation than our character. The latter takes care of the former.

What's wrong with sentimental? Sentimental means you like stuff.

Ive been so spoiled in the theater, writing plays where I can just do exactly what I want and nobody messes with me.

You think education is something to be done when all else fails?

Behold the threaden sails, Borne with the invisible and creeping wind, Draw the huge bottoms through the furrow'd sea, Breasting the lofty surge