“Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible.”

“A nice blend of prediction and surprise seem to be at the heart of the best art.”

“I’ve never been certain whether the moral of the Icarus story should only be, as is generally accepted, ‘don’t try to fly too high,’ or whether it might also be thought of as ‘forget the wax and feathers, and do a better job on the wings.’”

“The painter should not paint what he sees,
but what will be seen.”

“If I have an opportunity to do something safe or something challenging, I’ll often choose the latter.”

“I haven’t understood a bar of music in my life, but I’ve felt it.”

“I think I’m constantly in a state of adjustment.”

“This machine kills fascists.”

“… but human language is like rhythms we beat out on cracked kettles for bears to dance to, when what we want is to make music that will wring tears from the stars.”