"I also had a brother who was like me a musician and a composer. A man of great talent, far more gifted than I. He died very young... he killed himself in the prime of his life"
- Gustav Mahler
About this Quote
Gustav Mahler's quote talks to the catastrophe of his bro's life and death. It is clear that Mahler had a deep affection for his sibling's musical talent, which he felt was far greater than his own. The truth that his bro passed away so young, and in such a terrible way, speaks with the immense unhappiness and loss that Mahler felt. It is most likely that Mahler felt a sense of regret for not having the ability to conserve his sibling from his own misery. The quote likewise talks to the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the time we have with our enjoyed ones. Mahler's words are a pointer to all of us to value the people in our lives and to never ever take them for granted.
"Life is life - whether in a cat, or dog or man. There is no difference there between a cat or a man. The idea of difference is a human conception for man's own advantage"