When it comes to atoms, language can be used only as in poetry. The poet, too, is not nearly so concerned with describing facts as with creating images.

What we observe is not nature itself, but nature exposed to our method of questioning.

The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance - it is the illusion of knowledge.

One must still have chaos in oneself to be able to give birth to a dancing star.

Original German

Oh yes, things exist like the echo
When you yell at the foot
Of a huge mountain.

Painting is silent poetry, and poetry is painting that speaks.

I can’t understand why people are frightened of new ideas. I’m frightened of the old ones.

Nothing is accomplished by writing a piece of music.
Nothing is accomplished by playing a piece of music.
Nothing is accomplished by hearing a piece of music.

The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.

It is error only, and not truth, that shrinks from inquiry.