There are two sides to every question: my side and the wrong side.
—Oscar Levant
Topics: Pride, Courage
There is a thin line between genius and insanity. I have erased this line.
—Oscar Levant
Topics: Insanity, Sanity, Genius
A symphonic conductor should reconcile himself to the realization that, regardless of his approach or temperament, the eventual result is the same — the orchestra will hate him.
—Oscar Levant
It’s not what you are; it’s what you don’t become that hurts.
—Oscar Levant
Topics: Regret
Schizophrenia beats dining alone.
—Oscar Levant
Happiness isn’t something you experience; it’s something you remember.
—Oscar Levant
I once said cynically of a politician, He’ll double-cross that bridge when he comes to it.
—Oscar Levant
Underneath this flabby exterior is an enormous lack of character.
—Oscar Levant
Topics: Character
Once I make up my mind, I’m full of indecision.
—Oscar Levant
Topics: Indecision, Decisions
The only difference between the Democrats and the Republicans is that the Democrats allow the poor to be corrupt, too.
—Oscar Levant
Every time I look at you I get a fierce desire to be lonesome.
—Oscar Levant
Topics: Loneliness, Desire
Roses are red, violets are blue, I’m schizophrenic, and so am I.
—Oscar Levant
Topics: Psychiatry
What the world needs is more geniuses with humility, there are so few of us left.
—Oscar Levant
Topics: Pride
Strip away the phony tinsel of Hollywood and you will find the real tinsel underneath.
—Oscar Levant
Topics: Hollywood
I have given up reading books; I find it takes my mind off myself.
—Oscar Levant
Topics: Selfishness
I envy people who drink – at least they know what to blame everything on.
—Oscar Levant
Topics: Envy, Drinking, Blame
I am no more humble than my talents require.
—Oscar Levant
Topics: Talent, Humility
I don’t drink; I don’t like it—it makes me feel good.
—Oscar Levant
Topics: Drunkenness
She has the answer to everything and the solution to nothing.
—Oscar Levant
Topics: Insults
An epigram is only a wisecrack that’s played at Carnegie Hall.
—Oscar Levant
Topics: Proverbial Wisdom
Wondering Whom to Read Next?
Vladimir Horowitz Russian-born American Pianist
Arthur Rubinstein American Pianist
Stephen Sondheim American Musician
Sammy Davis, Jr. American Singer
Barbra Streisand American Musician
Elvis Presley American Musician
Mel Brooks American Film Actor
Louis Armstrong American Jazz Musician
Tupac Shakur American Rapper, Actor
Danny Kaye American Actor