Richard Wagner

Opera composer

Modern influential 125 sayings

Sayings by Richard Wagner

I am a genius, and I know it.

1869 — Conversation recorded by Cosima Wagner in her diaries
Humorous Unverifiable

I have a terrible need for love, and I never find it.

1858 — Letter to Mathilde Wesendonck
Humorous Unverifiable

I am a true German, and I hate everything that is not German.

1871 — Conversation recorded by Cosima Wagner in her diaries
Humorous Unverifiable

My art is a religion, and I am its prophet.

1859 — Letter to Franz Liszt
Humorous Unverifiable

I will make the world tremble with my music.

1851 — Letter to August Roeckel
Humorous Unverifiable

My life is a tragedy, but my music is a triumph.

1858 — Letter to Mathilde Wesendonck
Humorous Unverifiable

I am the most unfortunate man on earth, and the most fortunate artist.

1853 — Letter to Franz Liszt
Humorous Unverifiable

I am a god, and the world is my temple.

1872 — Conversation recorded by Cosima Wagner in her diaries
Humorous Unverifiable

I am the greatest artist that ever lived.

1873 — Conversation recorded by Cosima Wagner in her diaries
Humorous Unverifiable

My music is the language of the gods.

1851 — Letter to Franz Liszt
Humorous Unverifiable

I am a revolutionary, and my art is my weapon.

1849 — Essay 'Art and Revolution'
Humorous Unverifiable

I have no country, only a homeland in art.

1852 — Letter to August Roeckel
Humorous Unverifiable

I am a man of contradictions, and my music reflects it.

1857 — Letter to Mathilde Wesendonck
Humorous Unverifiable

The world will one day recognize my genius, even if I am dead.

1855 — Letter to Franz Liszt
Humorous Unverifiable

I am a prophet of a new art, and I will lead the way.

1849 — Essay 'The Art-Work of the Future'
Humorous Unverifiable

I am a German, and I am proud of it.

1870 — Conversation recorded by Cosima Wagner in her diaries
Humorous Unverifiable

My art is the only true religion.

1859 — Letter to Mathilde Wesendonck
Humorous Unverifiable

I am a man of destiny, and my destiny is to create great art.

1854 — Letter to Franz Liszt
Humorous Unverifiable

I have no fear of death, only of not having created enough.

1858 — Letter to Mathilde Wesendonck
Humorous Unverifiable

I am a rebel, and I will always be a rebel.

1849 — Letter to August Roeckel
Humorous Unverifiable