Ludwig van Beethoven Quotes - Page 2

I shall hear in heaven.

To do good whenever one can, to love liberty above all else, never to deny the truth, even though it be before the throne.

What is to reach the heart must come from above; if it does not come from thence, it will be nothing but notes, body without spirit.

Men are not only together when they are with each other; even the distant and the dead live with us.

Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy.

Only the flint of a man's mind can strike fire in music.

The foundation of friendship demands the greatest likeness of human souls and hearts.

In the world of art, as in the whole of creation, freedom and progress are the main objectives.

Anyone who tells a lie has not a pure heart, and cannot make a good soup.

Nothing is more intolerable than to have to admit to yourself your own errors.

In whatsoever manner it be, let me turn to God and become fruitful in good works. Nothing higher exists than to approach God more than other people and from that to extend His glory among humanity.I will place all my confidence in your eternal goodness, O God! My soul shall rejoice in Thee, immutable Being. Be my rock, my light, forever my trust.

Only art and science can raise men to the level of God.

I know of no more sacred duty than to rear and educate a child.

Even in poverty I lived like a king for I tell you that nobility is the thing that makes a king

Art always demands of us something new.

This is the mark of a really admirable man: steadfastness in the face of trouble.

I haven't a single friend; I must live alone. But well I know that God is nearer to me than to the others of my art; I associate with Him without fear, I have always recognized and understood Him, and I have no fear for my music,-it can meet no evil fate. Those who understand it must become free from all the miseries that the others drag with them.

Don't only practise your art, but force your way into its secrets.

Do you think I give a damn about your and your pathetic violin?

What will be the judgment a century hence concerning the lorded works of our favorite composers today? Inasmuch as nearly everything is subject to the changes of time, and - more's the pity- the fashions of time, only that which is good and true will endure like a rock and no wanton hand will ever venture to defile it. Then, let every man do that which is right, strive with all his might towards the goal which can never be obtained, develop to the last breath the gifts with which the gracious Creator has endowed him, and never cease to learn. For life is short, art eternal.

I am resolved to rise superior to every obstacle. With whom need I be afraid of measuring my strength? I will take Fate by the throat. It shall not overcome me. O how beautiful it is to be alive - would that I could live a thousand times!

Art demands of us that we shall not stand still.

The world is a king, and like a king, desires flattery in return for favor; but true art is selfish and perverse — it will not submit to the mold of flattery.

How glad I am to be able to roam in the wood and thicket, among trees and flowers and rocks ... in the country, every tree seems to speak to me, saying, "Holy! Holy", in the woods, there is enchantment which expresses all things.

Applaud my friends, the comedy is over... [on his death bed]