I was supposed to be a doctor. I was supposed to go to Princeton. And everything I was supposed to do I didn't.

I'm not an environmentalist, or a doctor, or a nutritionist.

I was meant to be a composer and will be I'm sure. Don't ask me to try to forget this unpleasant thing and go play football - please.

I think that what's been holding composers back a great deal is that they feel they must have a new style every year. This, in my case, would be hopeless. In fact, it is said that I have no style at all, but that doesn't matter. I just go on doing, as they say, my thing. I believe this takes a certain courage.

My mouth bled, I can no longer use my arm. I have to see a doctor because my two hands are numb.

I've had little success in intellectual circles. I'm not talked about in the 'New York Review of Books,' and I was never part of the Stravinsky 'inner circle.'