"Music is the wine which inspires one to new generative processes, and I am Bacchus who presses out this glorious wine for mankind and makes them spiritually drunken"
- Ludwig van Beethoven
About this Quote
In this quote, Beethoven compares music to white wine, stating that it has the power to motivate brand-new creative procedures. He then describes himself as Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, who presses out this "marvelous wine" of music for mankind. By using this metaphor, Beethoven is highlighting the intoxicating and transformative nature of music. He believes that through his compositions, he is able to spiritually intoxicate and raise his listeners, simply as wine can physically intoxicate and alter one's frame of mind. This quote showcases Beethoven's deep understanding and appreciation for the power of music to move and inspire others.
"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away"