Bill Evans

My creed for art in general is that it should enrich the soul; it should teach spirituality by showing a person a portion of himself that he would not discover otherwise . . . a part of yourself you never knew existed.

I’m believe that all people are in possession of what might be called a ‘universal musical mind.’

Technique is the ability to translate your ideas into sound through your instrument.

I’m… a rather simple person with a limited talent and perhaps a limited perspective.

It bugs me when people try to analyze jazz as an intellectual theorem. It’s not. It’s feeling.

Perhaps it is a peculiarity of mine that despite the fact that I am a professional performer, it is true that I have always preferred playing without an audience.

There are truths which are not for all men, nor for all times.

Do what you know and perception is converted into character.

Round numbers are always false.

Opportunity makes a thief.

Man gives every reason for his conduct save one, every excuse for his crimes save one, every plea for his safety save one; and that one is his cowardice.

And certainly, the mistakes that we male and female mortals make when we have our own way might fairly raise some wonder that we are so fond of it.

The function of vice is to keep virtue within reasonable bounds.

Be a lamp, a lifeboat, a ladder. Help someone’s soul heal. Walk out of your house like a shepherd.

Surrender is faith that the power of love can accomplish anything… even when you can not foresee the outcome.

She stepped out barefoot on to the grass, her soul naked, sun beating to her heart’s rhythm, bathing her skin. In her mind, she had already escaped.

Nature has made up her mind that what cannot defend itself shall not be defended.

Few enterprises of great labor or hazard would be undertaken if we had not the power of magnifying the advantages we expect from them.

As long as our civilization is essentially one of property, of fences, of exclusiveness, it will be mocked by delusions. Our riches will leave us sick; there will be bitterness in our laughter; and our wine will burn our mouth. Only that good profits, which we can taste with all doors open, and which serves all men.

I would give all the wealth of the world, and all the deeds of all the heroes, for one true vision.

What we learn only through the ears makes less impression upon our minds than what is presented to the trustworthy eye.