Daniel Barenboim Quotes

I can't read a note. I have lots of discipline, but I can't sit still at any instrument.

Presence is in the eye and ear and gut of the beholder. When you are totally present in a conversation or in a meeting, others around you perceive you as totally focused on the matter at hand and on being of value to them.

When exercising, be sure to focus your attention on what you are doing.

On those long notes behind the trumpet solo, if anyone lets his mind wander for a minute he is dead.

I had to make sure I kept an eye on the real world.

The point is to be involved in the moment.

Music does not carry you along. You have to carry it along strictly by your ability to really just focus on that little small kernel of emotion or story.

Whatever I'm doing, I'm in that moment and I'm doing it. The rest of the world's lost. If I'm cooking some food or making soup, I want it to be lovely. If not, what's the point of doing it?

Presence is more than just being there.

I can enjoy what I'm engaged in and be fully present rather than planning my answers to questions while someone else is speaking or thinking about my next appointment while my current engagement is still in in progress.

When you're in the game, you're still in the moment.

We've lost the ability to immerse ourselves in things.

Give whatever you are doing and whoever you are with the gift of your attention.

I pay attention to every minute of the day.

I'm good at separating things. When I'm in my classroom, I'm totally there. When I'm at an event, I'm totally there. And when I'm with my grandkids, my total attention is on them.

The musical training taught me to focus my mind, before playing in an orchestra taught me how to truly concentrate. If you miss your moment in an orchestra, there is no forgiving.

The best way to learn to be present and develop presence is to have the experience of someone you respect and admire being present with and for you.

The big secret is the ability to stay in the room.

Whatever you are doing, put your whole mind on it. If you are shooting, your mind should be only on the target. Then you will never miss. If you are learning your lessons, think only of the lesson. In India boys and girls are taught to do this.

Pay attention. Don't just stagger through the day.

There is a way between voice and presence, where information flows. In disciplined silence it opens; with wandering talk it closes.

Give full attention and devotion to each act.

Giving something your time isn't the same as giving it your attention.

I believe in being fully present. That means you should be with the person you’re with.

To feel as well as hear what someone says requires whole attention.