As quoted in Gramophone (1962), Vol. 40, Part 2, p. 389
Context: Contrary to general belief, an artist is never ahead of his time but most people are far behind theirs. I was the first composer to explore, so to speak, musical outer space.
“No artist is ahead of his time. He is the time. It is just that others are behind the time.”
“A great artist is always before his time or behind it.”
Source: As quoted in Conversations with George Moore (1929) by Geraint Goodwin, p. 123
“When a work appears to be ahead of its time, it is only the time that is behind the work.”
Le Coq et l’Arlequin (1918)
“If people talk behind your back, it's because you're ahead of them.”
“It has been my observation that most people get ahead during the time that others waste”
“Most people are not ready for death, theirs or anybody elses.”
Source: The Captain is Out to Lunch and the Sailors Have Taken Over the Ship
“Remember if people talk behind your back, it only means you are two steps ahead.”
Source: Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe
