By means of industry and perseverance you will rise higher and higher.

— Robert Schumann

From a pound of iron, that costs little, a thousand watch-springs can be made, whose value becomes prodigious. The pound you have received from the Lord,--use it faithfully.

— Robert Schumann

I am so fresh in soul and spirit that life gushes and bubbles around me in a thousand springs.

— Robert Schumann

If we were all determined to play the first violin we should never have an ensemble. Therefore, respect every musician in his proper place.

— Robert Schumann

If, while at the piano, you attempt to form little melodies, that is very well; but if they come into your mind of themselves, when you are not practicing, you may be still more pleased; for the internal organ of music is then roused in you. The fingers must do what the head desires; not the contrary.

— Robert Schumann

Let your intimate friends be chosen from such as are better informed than yourself.

— Robert Schumann

Look deeply into life, and study it as diligently as the other arts and sciences.

— Robert Schumann

Nothing right can be accomplished in art without enthusiasm.

— Robert Schumann

Play always as if in the presence of a master.

— Robert Schumann

Remember, there are more people in the world than yourself. Be modest! You have not yet invented nor thought anything which others have not thought or invented before. And should you really have done so, consider it a gift of heaven which you are to share with others.

— Robert Schumann