Quotes from John Cage

Where does beauty begin? Where does it end? Where it ends is where the artist begins.

The first question I ask myself when something doesn't seem to be beautiful is why do I think it's not beautiful. And very shortly you discover that there is no reason.

In the nature of the use of chance operations is the belief that all answers answer all questions.

To accept whatever comes, regardless of the consequences, is to be unafraid.

Food, one assumes, provides nourishment: but Americans eat it fully aware that small amounts of poison have been added to improve its appearance and delay its putrefaction

One need not fear for the future of music.

Until I die there will be sounds. And they will continue following my death. One need not fear about the future of music.