I can't distract myself enough here, for sketches to a new opera are constantly buzzing around in my head, to the extent that I need all my strength to wrest myself from them.

Though German art can never be Bavarian, but simply German, yet Munich is the capital of this German Art; here, under shelter of a Prince who kindles my enthusiasm, to feel myself a native and member of the people was, to me, the homeless wanderer, a deep, a genuine need.

Divorce is one of the most financially traumatic things you can go through. Money spent on getting mad or getting even is money wasted.

Everything lives and lasts by the inner necessity of its being, by its own nature's need.

Music expresses longing and love and joy better than any piece of dialogue you can ever write.

Perfect happiness is knowing that everyone I love is healthy, safe, and content.

I like the joy when you feed people and they're happy and full and enjoying themselves.

I longed for literary celebrity even as I saw with my own eyes how little happiness it brought.