Mastery is indeed a very complicated state.

Yes indeed I have gained a lot out of playing scales and etudes.

A man has to learn that he cannot command things, but that he can command himself; that he cannot coerce the wills of others, but that he can mold and master his own will: and things serve him who serves Truth; people seek guidance of him who is master of himself.

Passion in all its forms is a mental thirst, a fever, a torturing unrest. As a fire consumes a magnificent building, reducing it to a heap of unsightly ashes, so are men consumed by the flames of passions, and their deeds and works fall and perish.

I do not consider my self as having mastered the flute, but I get a real kick out of trying.

Never just run through a study because you happen to be familiar with it, but use it to see what you can get from it on this new day which has been granted you.