Ludwig van Beethoven

"Music is the electrical soil in which the spirit lives, thinks and invents."

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

"I will take fate by the throat."

"Beethoven can write music, thank God, but he can do nothing else on earth."

"The barriers are not erected which can say to aspiring talents and industry, 'thus far and no farther.'"

"Only the pure in heart can make a good soup."

"I am not really pleased with my past works; from today on I intend to take a new path."

"Love is the only power which can make the impossible possible."

"Silence is a source of great strength."

"Freedom above all."

"Recommend virtue to your children; it alone, not money, can make them happy."

"The true artist is not proud; he unfortunately sees that art has no limits."

"There is no greater satisfaction than creating something for the world."

"One must have chaos within oneself to give birth to a dancing star."

"Nature, you alone are my confidante."

"My deafness is now getting worse, but I have learned that patience is required."

"I have no friends. I am alone."

"Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body."

"The world is a king, and like most kings, it will bite you if you give it a chance."

"He who loves not wine, women, and song remains a fool his whole life long."

"Must it be? It must be."

"Tell your dear friends that my heart is full of gratitude for their love."

"It is a wonderful thing to die fighting for one's convictions."

"What a life! So often struck down, never conquered."

"The chief requisite for a composer is to have a good ear."

"Do not merely listen to the music; feel it."

"Joy is the main principle that rules creation."

"Let your deafness no longer be a secret—even in art."

"Whoever tells the most lies becomes the most powerful."

"The world is a cruel place, but beauty exists in the struggle."