Igor Stravinsky

"Young people worry me; they are so convinced of their importance."

"Art is either plagiarism or revolution; there is no middle ground."

"My music must be heard to be understood; no words can describe it."

"The essence of truth is simplicity, but truth itself can be terribly complex."

"I measure my life not by years but by the works I have created."

"When you are old, you understand what really matters in life."

"A good composer does not imitate; he steals."

"To understand my music, one must listen with the ears of the soul."

"Freedom in art is not the absence of rules but mastery of them."

"Work every day; the gift of inspiration comes to those who work."

"I do not create for pleasure; I create because I must."

"The past is a guide post, not a hitching post."

"Every creator must first be a destroyer; one cannot build without clearing ground."

"Patience is the price of mastery in any art form."

"A craftsman polishes his work until it shines; an artist reveals what was always there."

"The modern world demands constant change, but beauty is eternal."

"To know oneself is the beginning of all wisdom and all art."

"Music theory is the grammar of music; it sets you free to express yourself."

"Fear of failure paralyzes more artists than actual failure ever could."

"I listen to the world around me and try to capture its essence in sound."

"The greatest gift a teacher can give is the desire to learn."

"In art, as in life, one must take risks or accept mediocrity."

"I am grateful for every moment I have had to create."

"Music is the best vehicle for spiritual expression among all the arts."

"Success comes not from talent alone but from relentless dedication."

"A man's words may be forgotten, but his deeds echo through time."

"The composer's task is to organize sounds in a meaningful way."

"I have lived my life according to my convictions, not the opinions of others."

"Life teaches lessons that no school can provide."

"The pursuit of perfection is the only pursuit worthy of an artist."