People are craving this great progress in electronics, going after computers, the Internet, etc. Its a giant progress technologically. But they must have a balance of soul, a balance for human beauty. That means art has an important role. – Mstislav Rostropovich
When I started learning the cello, I fell in love with the instrument because it seemed like a voice – my voice. – Mstislav Rostropovich
Baalbek is so beautiful. It is the heart of beauty in the Middle East – I want to embrace these people with my music. I will try so hard for them. Their president is a Christian, their prime minister is a Muslim. Music is for everyone. – Mstislav Rostropovich
I hope you have lost your good looks, for while they last any fool can adore you, and the adoration of fools is bad for the soul. No, give me a ruined complexion and a lost figure and sixteen chins on a farmyard of Crow’s feet and an obvious wig. Then you shall see me coming out strong. – George Bernard Shaw, to Mrs. Patrick Campbell