There's no rational reason why opera should exist. It's expensive, time consuming. Yet in some shape or other it has always existed.

Is there such depravity in man as that he should injure another without benefit to himself?

If we judged everybody by the stupid, unguarded things they blurt out to their nearest and dearest, then we wouldn't ever get anywhere.

Editing and post-production is so important with comedy.

The name of mistress instead of wife would be dearer and more honourable for me, only love given freely, rather than the constriction of the marriage tie, is of significance to an ideal relationship.

You cannot teach today the same way you did yesterday to prepare students for tomorrow.

The artist sees what others only catch a glimpse of.

I wouldn't characterize anybody who fought in Vietnam as a war hero. In 23 bombing sorties, there must have been civilians that were killed and there's no heroism to that.

I'm pretty proud of my film music in general.

When you can't rely on sticking a pipe in the ground, what you have to rely on is unlocking the energy and talent of all your people - men and women.

Blessed is the person who sees the need, recognizes the responsibility, and actively becomes the answer.