“… The abuse of authority, the exploitation and the persecution of human beings more sensitive and often more worthwhile than the offending exploiter or persecutor, whether operating in physical proximity or, as increasingly possible, at remote control – there aberrations, today considered normal and even “justified” by exigencies termed “economic” or “nationalistic”, these conditions which obtain in the lowest and the highest levels of society in men’s minds and hearts, are abhorrent to me. …”
Yehudi Menuhin – Unfinished Journey, Autobiography
Music should not be an escape “ … Speaking for myself, I am the most fortunate of human beings, having music for expression and communication, the great and fascinating musical scores to study, and passing my time with the greatest minds and works of the past and present. Of course it must not be, nor given my make-up, can music become, an escape. I am constantly thinking of ways and means to improve, alleviate, protect, guide and inspire in practical terms. …” Yehudi Menuhin – Unfinished Journey, Autobiography
Admiration and compassion for others
“… People often ask me for my “secret” – for the reason for my energy, motivation and survival. For all I know, I may drop dead the next instant - …- and I would not like the reader to assume that on my part there is any smugness, self-satisfaction or lack of compassion for those who suffer. I have the greatest admiration for people with a disability – physical, nervous or mental – who overcome it and lead remarkably generous, helpful and useful lives. …” Yehudi Menuhin – Unfinished Journey, Autobiography
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