The point is not to take the world's opinion as a guiding star but to go one's way in life and working unerringly, neither depressed by failure nor seduced by applause.
In the theatrical works we love and admire the most, the ending of the drama generally takes place offstage.
A symphony must be like the world. It must contain everything.
If I weren't the way I am, I shouldn't write my symphonies.
Destiny smiles upon me but without making me the least bit happier.
If you think you're boring your audience, go slower not faster.