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O, you men who think or say that I am malevolent, stubborn or misanthropic, how greatly do you wrong me. You do not know the secret cause which makes me seem that way to you, and I would have ended my life - it was only my art that held me back. Ah, it seemed impossible to leave the world until I had brought forth all that I felt was within me.
Ludwig van Beethoven
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"O, you men who think or say that I am malevolent, stubborn or misanthropic, how greatly do you wrong me. You do not know the secret cause which makes me seem that way to you, and I would have ended my life - it was only my art that held me back. Ah, it seemed impossible to leave the world until I had brought forth all that I felt was within me."
— Ludwig van Beethoven

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O, you men who think or say that I am malevolent, stubborn or misanthropic, how greatly do you…

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O, you men who think or say that I am malevolent, stubborn or misanthropic, how greatly do you wrong me. You do not know the secret cause which makes me seem that way to you, and I would have ended my life - it was only my art that held me back. Ah, it seemed impossible to leave the world until I had brought forth all that I felt was within me. — Ludwig van Beethoven

About Ludwig van Beethoven

Ludwig van Beethoven was a Composer from Electorate of Cologne (1770–1827).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who said "O, you men who think or say that I am malevolent, stubborn or misanthropic, how…"?
This quote is attributed to Ludwig van Beethoven, a Composer from Electorate of Cologne.
When did Ludwig van Beethoven live?
Ludwig van Beethoven lived from 1770 – 1827.